Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize,
and display relevant data to answer them
Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative
relationships.
Description of Activity
Using ultraviolet beads, discover the difference in the amount of
ultraviolet light to produce various colors.
Materials
Ultraviolet Detection Beads
Sheets of clear plastic
Various ratings of sun block
Team designed data sheets
Elastic Thread or string or pipe cleaner
Envelopes 5 per team
Crayons or markers (optional)
Stop watch/ Timer
Procedures
Teacher Preparation
Expose the uv beads to sunlight so that colors may be separated before
starting the experiment.
Packets of some materials can be up ahead of time :
2 sets of 5 color beads (red, blue, violet, yellow, orange) each
5 envelopes
1 piece elastic string or thread, or pipe cleaner
1 sheet plastic
Student Activity
Divide class into groups of 3 if possible.
Have students thread and knot one set of beads or position on pipe cleaner
with no beads touching.
Each group label their string if necessary.
Outside, as an introduction, have the groups look at the difference in
the strength of colors in shade and direct sunlight.
At a designated location groups need to place their bead strings on the
ground. Cover with clear plastic sheet.
After 3 or 4 minutes notice the colors.
Take a bead from one of the envelopes and time how long it takes for the
color to match one on the string. Repeat for each envelope.
Record data on data sheets.
Using the sunscreen or sun block, spread plastic sheets and notice any
change in color of beads. Try UV protective sunglasses.
Results and Discussion
In order to promote further student analyzing, questioning, and
investigating, the following teacher questions and comments may be useful at
the conclusion of any activities/investigations. These questions can be used
for small/large group discussions, science log/journal entries, or as writing
prompts.
Students compare and contrast.
Students graph data.
Students analyze data and determine date and time of day when UV rays
are most intense.
What are the conclusions about your results? Are they valid?
Did you conduct a "Fair Test"?
What, if anything, would you change to make your results more valid?
Did you control your variables?
Did your results cause you to think of more questions to explore?
