Activity Detail
If you are using a TI-73, TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89, there may be particular math or science applications you will need to download to use certain activities. If you are using TI-Nspire technology, please update your TI-Nspire handheld operating system or computer software to view the latest activities. The latest TI-Nspire operating system was released in June 2009.
Browse by Subject Submit Activity Saved Activities Advanced Search
  


add to saved activities



print this activity
 
Collecting Solar Rays
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students' will use three Temperature Sensors to collect data from three solar collectors and determine which one absorbs the most heat. They will develop an understanding of the difference between absorption and reflection.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the TI-73 Explorer™ to the CBL 2 unit
  • Plug three temperature sensors in channel 1, channel 2, channel 3 on the CBL 2 and start the DataMate™ program
  • Download TI-GRAPH LINK™ or TI Connect™ to analyze data on the computer
  • Download DataMate for TI-83+ program
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 85 - 91 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Collect three soda cans painted black, white and silver
  • Put a sensor in each painted can and seal with putty or clay
  • Place the cans with sensors in the sun at exactly the same time or next to a heat lamp at the same distance from the heat source
  • Collect temperature data every 30 seconds for 10 minutes
  • Graph data
  • Identify which color made the best solar collector and which color reflected heat the best

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete Student Data Collection and Analysis Sheet.

    Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Science : Middle Grades Science : Energy
    Science : Physical Science : Heat Transfer
    Science : Physical Science : Energy

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family

    Apps:
    DataMate

    Software:
    TI Connect™, TI-GRAPH LINK™

    Accessories:
    CBL™/CBL 2™, Sensor - Temperature, TI Connectivity Cable, TI-GRAPH LINK™ Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 10 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Activities for Middle Grades Science with the CBL 2™ and TI-73.

    You will need the following materials:

  • Three soda cans and spray paint (silver, black. and white)
  • Clay or putty
  • Heat source (sun or a heat lamp)


    • Report an issue with this activity