Activity Overview
In this adventure, students test which solar collector--black, white, or silver-- absorbs the most heat. They compare the difference between absorption and reflection. They create, interpret and analyze graphs of data. They also relate slope to rate of change.
Before the Activity
Connect CBL 2™ to the calculator.
Plug the temperature sensor into channel 1 of the CBL 2
Launch DataMate program
Spray paint one can black, one glossy white, and one
metallic silver
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 65 - 66 from the attached PDF file for your class
Transfer files to student calculators using TI-Navigator™ "send to class" feature
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Adventure procedures:
- Place the temperature sensor in the black can and seal the opening with putty
- Place the can on its side under the heat source (sun light or under a heating lamp)
- Take temperature readings every 30 seconds for 10 minutes
- Graph the data
- Find the change in temperature for each color
After the Activity
Students analyze the results and answer the questions in the worksheet
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary