Prerequisite Activity 2--Which Color Holds Heat Longest?

Summary: Students will determine which color looses heat the quickest.

Materials: small metal cans (juice cans work well), 4 different colors of paint (white, black, yellow, and red) 4 thermometers, almost boiling water

Objectives:
Measure and record temperature
Make predictions
Draw conclusions

Procedures:
1. Divide the class into four groups.
2. Paint each can a different color. (Either the teacher can paint the cans ahead of time or allow drying time if the children paint them.)
3. Pour the same amount of water in each can.
4. Record the starting temperature.
5. Record the temperature every 3 minutes until the water cools.
6. Graph the results.

Questions:
1. Which colored can held the heat the longest? the shortest?
2. If you lived in Central Texas where the winters are mild and short and the summers are hot and long, which color car would you purchase? What color would you paint your house?

Expanding the Lesson:
1. Predict which color container will heat the fastest. Write a justification for your prediction.
2. Repeat the experiment using tap water.
3. Place the cans in a sunny spot. Check the temperature every 15 minutes. Graph the results.
4. What caused the water to heat? Did it use potential energy or kinetic energy?

Evaluation:
1. Accurate data
2. Correctly graphed data
3. Logical predictions

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Last Edited: August 23, 2000