The Long & Short of Absorption & Transmission
Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Physics
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This short video from the Paleontological Research Institution describes how different forms of radiant energy interact with different materials and demonstrates an easy experiment that could be replicated in the classroom.
- The demonstration involves viewing one's hand with an infrared camera behind three different types of materials: glass, clear plastic, and black plastic.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- A thorough verbal explanation and visual demonstration show how certain materials like glass can absorb infrared radiation, similar to how greenhouse gases also trap infrared radiation.
- The narrator describes all components of the demonstration, easily allowing a teacher to replicate this same setup in their classroom if they have access to the infrared camera technology.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with terms like visible light, infrared radiation, and wavelength.
- To replicate this in the classroom, you will need an infrared camera, glass, clear plastic, and black plastic.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Before watching the video, consider having students record their predictions on the absorption or transmission of infrared radiation and visible light for each of the three materials tested in the video.
- To dive deeper into the science of the greenhouse effect and climate change, high school students may benefit from this interactive online lesson: Heating It Up: The Chemistry of the Greenhouse Effect.
- Teachers can use this video to introduce the greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases, which can then be used to teach about climate change.
This resource demonstrates the properties of light at different wavelengths, including infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, and how light interacts with different materials. These properties are presented in a demonstration in which visible and infrared light are examined through glass, plastic wrap, and a black plastic bag. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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