Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution |Published on: April 27, 2021
Videos
6789101112
Synopsis
This short video from the Paleontological Research Institution describes how different forms of radiant energy interact with different materials and demonstrates an easy experiment that could be replicated in the classroom.
The demonstration involves viewing one's hand with an infrared camera behind three different types of materials: glass, clear plastic, and black plastic.
A thorough verbal explanation and visual demonstration show how certain materials like glass can absorb infrared radiation, similar to how greenhouse gases also trap infrared radiation.
The narrator describes all components of the demonstration, easily allowing a teacher to replicate this same setup in their classroom if they have access to the infrared camera technology.
Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with terms like visible light, infrared radiation, and wavelength.
To replicate this in the classroom, you will need an infrared camera, glass, clear plastic, and black plastic.
Differentiation & Implementation
Before watching the video, consider having students record their predictions on the absorption or transmission of infrared radiation and visible light for each of the three materials tested in the video.
Teachers can use this video to introduce the greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases, which can then be used to teach about climate change.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Paleontological Research Institution
Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is a national leader in Earth systems science education. They strive to help make sense of the present and potential future climate change, while also increasing understanding of global change in Earth’s past. Their programs focus on systems thinking, understanding scale and learning in your own backyard.
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.