http://www.teachengineering.org/view_activity.php?url=http://www.teachengineering.com/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_colors_absorb_heat_better/colors_absorb_heat_better.xmlactivitytext/xmlCenter for Engineering Educational Outreach, colorheatenergylightlight absorptionmeltingsolarsunSolar EnergySolar CellSolar PanelEnergyAbsorbReflectRadiant EnergyMelting

Students test whether the color of a material affects how much heat it absorbs. Students will place an ice cube in a box made of colored paper (one box per color; white, yellow, red and black), which they will place in the sun. The students will make prediction as to which color will melt the ice cube first. They will record the order and time required for the ice cubes to melt.

The study of light and its behavior is a major component in design of optical instruments. The performance and characteristics of light are what guide engineers to come up with different forms of light detection for lenses in cameras, microscopes, CD players and medical systems. Different sources of light carry different quantities of energy. For example, lasers are very powerful and can cut through stone or even metal. Using this information, engineers can improve existing equipment designs. Certain colors absorb light better than othersThe sun produces heat and lightWhy ice cubes meltThe purpose of solar panels21TeachEngineering.comRichards, Roy. An Early Start to Technology from Science. London: Simon & Schuster, 1990, page 64.S10138ADMassachusettsScience1.1 Identify and describe characteristics of natural materials (e.g., wood, cotton, fur, wool) and human-made materials (e.g., plastic, Styrofoam).-12S101838CMassachusettsScience1.2 Identify and explain some possible uses for natural materials (e.g., wood, cotton, fur, wool) and human-made materials (e.g., plastic, Styrofoam).-12S101F7C6MassachusettsScience4. Recognize that the sun supplies heat and light to the earth and is necessary for life.-12United StatesCopyright 2010 - Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, Tufts Universityhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2008-09-261Teacher