Month: April 2013

During class on friday (4/26) I participated in a lab that showed  how heat was trapped in the earths atmosphere by different greenhouse gases. The gasses that were used in this experiment were water vapor, air, and carbon dioxide. We then created a graph that we recorded the temperature of each gas during 5 minute intervals.

We used a heat lamp as a replacement of the sun and then placed the three jars with the three different greenhouse gases under the light. We recorded the intuitional temperature and then every five minutes we recorded the new temperature. We did this for 15 minutes.

Our Results:

Time (minutes)	Air Temp (F°)	Carbon Dioxide Temp (F°)	Water Vapor Temp (F°)
0	25°	25°	25°
5	39°	19°	27°
10	44°	23°	28°
15	49°	24°	31°

 

Our results seemed to be working accordingly, the only issue we were getting was with Carbon Dioxide. Because of our time crunch, we were able to re-do the experiment, so we’ll have to work around the human error. All the other temperatures increased from the heat of the lamp (sun) which was predicted. Air seems to be heating at the fastest rate, followed by water vapor, and according to our results, carbon dioxide would follow that.

Can’t pay the bills? Big fan of reading but need more light? What if there was a way to create light with no electrical materials from around your house? Would you try them out?

While working with Ren Truscott and Lisa Allard, we came across a way to create sun-light powered lightbulbs. Most homes should contain the proper recycled materials in order the produce this product.  All you need is a recycled plastic bottle, a cardboard box, bleach, filtered water, duct tape, and a box cutter. So before you start cutting away at the cardboard, or drink that filtered water, I want to describe to you how to go about making a sun-light powered lightbulb! It’s an interesting way to show how solar energy works and it’s short and easy!

So once you go sifting through your recycling bin looking for a plastic bottle, cut a hole into the cardboard that is the same diameter as the plastic bottle of your choice.

Next, you want to fill that bottle with three parts of that delicious filtered water, and one part of the bleach. Then once the bottle is filled, screw back on that cap!

Now you’ll take the plastic bottle and insert it into the hole in the cardboard box that you just cut out, and stop when it’s about an inch form the neck of the bottle. This will be controlled heigh A. You will later change the controlled height two more times to get data for height A, B, and C.

Then take the duct tape and seal the bottom to the cardboard, but avoid covering too much of the bottle!

Now hopefully you try this on a sunny day because next you sit the box in front of the window in the sun for about five minutes. Then when that time is up you’re going to cut a quarter sized hole in the side of the cardboard.

Now here’s the fun part! Peek into the hole and you’ll be able to see light! Take note of the brightness of each bottle A, B, and C. This will show you the efficiency of solar power!

This is a great way to show light through other sources! Great for teachers in class to show students, or even a fun summer activity with the kids. Even though this process is simple, remember that these are made with recycled materials and contains a sustainable solution! This helps you fully understand how important light can be and that candles and electric lightbulbs aren’t the only source of light!

Here’s a great video to demonstrate the procedure!

Last friday we all experienced some fun presentations of energy and light from Tom Vales. I felt like I was back at a field trip to the Museum of Science. I think it’s really great to let college aged students still learn the fun way with things, especially with science. It gives everyone a moment to relax and really soak in what they’re seeing.

This guy really knew what he was talking about, and he had great examples to back everything up. I loved that we could actually participate and hold certain objects to experience these things as well. It’s amazing what magnets, hot water vs cold water, and simple electricity can do. Even though some of his items were only available as a learning tool, I was still intrigued with everything he had to show us.

I’m sure I can speak for most of the class when I say that for a brief amount of time, I felt like a kid again because I was really enjoying his presentation. It was definitely worth the wait!