Experiment 2: Ultraviolet protection from material
Different types of material allow in different amounts of ultraviolet radiation. Open-weave material will let in more ultraviolet radiation than closed-weave material.
Experiment sheet (.pdf 183kB)
Aim
To test different materials to see if closed-weave materials block out more light than open- weave materials.
Hypothesis
UV beads will change colour when covered with open-weave material.
The independent variable is the type of material (open or closed weave), the dependent variable is changing colour.
Materials
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UV beads
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three pieces of different materials the same size (choose different weaves)
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four containers with the same number of beads in each
Steps
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Place equal number of beads into the same type of container
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Cover three with different types of material
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Leave the fourth container uncovered as a control
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Place the beads covered with material in the sunlight (make sure that they are all getting the same amount of sun)
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After one minute check to see if the UV beads have changed colour.
Results
Record your results. (Digital photographs are a good way of recording the results.)
Conclusion
Open-weave materials let ultraviolet light through while closed-weave materials do not let ultraviolet light through.
Testing different types of material
Watch a slideshow of the experiment.