This document provides instructions for an experiment to test the hypothesis that different colored objects will heat up at different rates when exposed to sunlight. Students will fill three identical cans - one painted white, one black, and one unpainted - with the same amount of water and use a lamp to heat them for 20 minutes, measuring the temperature change in each. They will record their observations and conclusions, and consider ways to improve or expand on the experiment.

1. Heating things up:Hypothesis and measurement Brian Carr

2. Indiana State Science Standard 6.5.2 Evaluate the precision and usefulness of data based on measurements taken. Other applicable standards: 6.1.3 Recognize and explain that hypotheses are valuable, even if they turn out not to be true, if they lead to fruitful investigations. 6.3.17 Recognize and describe that energy is a property of many objects and is associated with heat, light, electricity, mechanical motion and sound. 6.4.10 Describe how life on earth depends on energy from the sun.

3. List of Materials Three cans: one painted white, one painted black and one unpainted. One lamp w/60 watt light bulb. 250 ml beaker. Water. Thermometer. Metric ruler. Clock. Pencil and paper to record observations.

4. Introduction/Objective Science and observations of our planet have led us to understand that the sun’s energy warms the planet. However, does the sun heat objects of different color at the same rate? You will form a hypothesis and test it using the listed materials!

5. Setup/Things to Remember Which of the enclosed cans (if any) will absorb heat the fastest? This question is the basis of your hypothesis. To accurately test your hypothesis, you will need to make sure that you have consistent and accurate controls set up. For example: if your experiment uses water, make sure to use the same amount of water; beginning temperatures must be the same; elapsed time for each item must be equal.

6. Procedure Record your hypothesis on the “Heating Things Up” form from the bin. Record your procedure on the form as well. The “Data” area should provide you with some clues. (If you still need help, see the next slide!) Perform your experiments, making sure that your controls are set equally. Record your observations and form your conclusions when your experiment is finished. Was your hypothesis correct?

7. Suggested Procedure 1. Fill each can with 250 ml of 25 degree Celsius water. 2. For each test, place lamp 20 cm away from the can, facing the can surface, not the water. 3. For each test, heat the can for 20 minutes. 4. Carefully measure and record results for each test.

8. Conclusions Did your findings support or disprove your findings? Were there any steps you could have done better? If your hypothesis was not correct, don’t be frustrated! This gives you more opportunity to consider the above for your conclusion.

9. Expanding the Experiment Would cans painted other colors yield different results? Can you think of items you encounter on a daily basis that can be compared with this experiment?