Colors and Light
Grade Levels:
K-3
Question:
Do some colors absorb more sunlight than others?
Possible Hypotheses:
All colors absorb the same amount of sunlight.
Some colors absorb more sunlight than others.
Materials:
Four tall clear glasses
Water
Food coloring
Immersion thermometer
Procedure:
- Fill the glasses with the same amount of cold water. Record the temperature of the water.
- Add 20 drops of red food coloring to one glass, 20 drops of yellow to one glass, and 20 drops of blue to one glass.
- Place all four glasses in a sunny place for 15 minutes.
- Record the temperature of the water in all four glasses.
Analysis and Conclusion:
Did the temperature of the water change? Which water got warmest? What did you learn about colors and light?
Reprinted with the permission of the NEED Project. © 2008 National Energy Education Development Project - All Rights Reserved.
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