Radiation


Use a powerful flashlight to pop a kernel of popcorn. A lens focuses light on the kernel. The temperature of the filament and the distance between the flashlight and lens can be changed. Several obstacles can be placed between the flashlight and the popcorn.

Screenshot of Radiation Gizmo

LESSON MATERIALS:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn that hot objects naturally transfer heat to their environment via radiation (light).
  • Observe that the color we see radiated by a hot object is determined by its temperature.
  • Determine that objects emitting visible light also emit invisible infrared light.
  • Observe that both visible and invisible light can heat objects.
  • See that radiation given off by a hot object is usually a blend of several colors of light.

VOCABULARY:

  • filament, infrared, Kelvin scale, radiation

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User Testimonials

Critical Acclaim

  • Winner: Golden Lamp Award

    2010 AEP

  • Winner: Best Science Instruction Solution

    2010, 2007, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best K-12 Instructional Solution

    2010 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Winner: Best K-12 Instructional Solution

    2009 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Winner: Award of Excellence

    2009, 2008 Tech and Learning Magazine

  • Winner: Distinguished Achievement Award

    2008, 2007, 2005 AEP

  • Finalist: Distinguished Achievement Award

    2010, 2009, 2006 AEP

  • Finalist: Golden Lamp Award

    2009, 2008, 2006 AEP

  • Finalist: Best Math Instructional Solution

    2009, 2008, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best Instructional Solution, Science

    2009, 2008 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best Instructional Solution, Online

    2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Diamond Award in Mathematics

    District Administration Magazine

  • E-Learning Innovation Award

    Macromedia Corp.

  • Best Education Website

    Webby Awards

  • Three time Digital Dozen Honoree

    Eisenhower National Clearinghouse

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