Scientists often struggle to make sense of invisible objects in the universe by looking at the patterns left by these objects. You also do this when you see that an animal has left tracks in the mud or snow or on the beach.
As an apprentice scientist, you need to develop observation skills. You will be working on a research team studying heat. Your research is to discover how one can determine where an object has been based on the invisible tracks it left behind.
Research Assignment
- Place the piece of thermal film on the inside of your forearm. Notice the results. Describe them in your journal.
- Warm the thermal film with in your hands for at least thirty seconds, then hold it by its corners in midair. Record the length of time it takes to return to its normal color. Warm the thermal film in your hands for at least thirty seconds again. Now, hold it by its corners against a tabletop or desktop. Record the length of time it takes to return to its normal color. Compare this to the time it took in midair. If there is a difference, what do you think is the reason for the difference?
- Fill a glass beaker or container with warm water. Place the thermal film against the side of the beaker. Record your observations, and develop a hypothesis to explain what you see.
- Have one person stay at the table while everyone else in the group leaves the table. The remaining person should place their hand in one location on the table for two full minutes without moving.
- When the rest of the group returns, their job is to determine where the other person's hand was on the table.
Journaling: What Did You Learn?
Write at least three sentences that summarize your work today. Be prepared to share your reflections with the class.