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Hot Spot ActivityHot Spot Activity
Publisher
Exploratorium
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
4th - 6th
Subjects
Science
2 more...
Resource Type
Activities & Projects
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
15 mins
Instructional Strategy
Demonstration
Technology
Scientific Equipment
Activity

Hot Spot

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Not only does a concave mirror focus light waves, it can also concentrate infrared radiation into a hot spot. If you have a small electric heater and such a mirror, demonstrate this for your physical science class.

19 Views 10 Downloads

Concepts

focal points, concave mirrors, mirrors

Additional Tags

infrared radiation, focal point, parabolic mirror, concave mirror, science

Pros

  • A complete explanation of phenomena is included as well as enrichment information on satellite dishes

Cons

  • None

See similar resources:

Activity

Investigation: Insulation

Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Youngsters compare the heat-holding abilities of three different cans by insulating two with different materials and measuring the temperature change of hot water over a 20-minute period. 
6th - 8th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Activity

World Map of Plate Boundaries

Oregon State
Young geologists piece together the puzzle of plate tectonics in an earth science lesson. Given a physical map of the world, they search for land formations that indicate the location of different types of plate boundaries.
4th - 10th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Lesson Plan

The Water Cycle

Curated OER
Fifth graders explore the major components of the water cycle. They pay close attention to evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. A water cycle kit is set up in the classroom, which learners observe for a couple of days before the...
5th Science
Instructional Video

Misconceptions About Heat

Veritasium
How do you dispel misconceptions about heat? Bake a cake! Using an infrared thermometer, the narrator discloses heat's true nature to unsuspecting beach-goers, as well as to his mother. Our sense of touch misleads us into measuring heat...
5 mins 6th - 12th Science
Instructional Video

What's the Hottest Hot and Coldest Cold?

Be Smart
When temperatures get extreme, physics gets a little weird! Show physics scholars the lowest man-made temperature to date, as well as the extreme heat of the Big Bang using a video from an extensive playlist. The narrator explains some...
6 mins 6th - 12th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Video

Exoplanets

Crash Course
The night sky is filled with stars in every direction. But, is there anything around those stars ... like planets? Explore the galaxy in a search for other worlds with an engaging video. Topics include the methods used for locating...
12 mins 6th - 12th Science
PPT

Multi-Wavelength Astronomy

Glynn County School System
Take a look at astronomy through the light lens. From radio to gamma, light waves exist in every corner of the universe. An enlightening PowerPoint presentation gives an overview of the different categories of light and then discusses...
6th - 12th Science
Lesson Plan

Adaptations to Arid Habitats

ARKive
How do plants and animals survive in habitats with very little water? Explore arid ecosystems and the way their inhabitants have adapted with a lesson and science experiment. After kids listen to a presentation about adaptation, they...
6th - 8th Science
Lesson Plan

Plane Mirror Images

Curated OER
Students view a demonstration to investigate mirror images. In this plane mirror lesson plan, students view a teacher demonstration of a plane mirror and the images it creates. They use meter sticks to investigate the angles of...
5th - 8th Science
Lesson Plan

Exploring Infrared Image Technology

Curated OER
Learners view infrared images of a blowing hair dryer, a Popsicle, and a toaster. They discuss the images and ways they are different than visible light images. Students view a temperature scale and discuss which parts of the item are...
5th - 12th Science
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