In the world of light and color, infrared exists as an unseen yet powerful force. As K-12 teachers, introducing students to the concepts and applications of infrared light can be both exciting and rewarding. This blog post will delve into infrared light, offering accessible explanations and creative activities to help equip your students with the knowledge they need.
Let’s start by demystifying what infrared light is. It’s a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light, making it imperceptible to the human eye in everyday life. The wavelengths of infrared light range from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter, placing it right next to the red end of the visible light spectrum.
One practical way to engage students in learning about infrared is by discussing its various applications. Discovered in 1800 by Sir William Herschel, this mysterious form of radiation has now become a fundamental component in numerous technologies. Some examples worth mentioning include:
Remote controls:
Students can be encouraged to think about how everyday devices like TV remotes rely on infrared technology for communication between the remote and device.
Meteorology:
Explain how satellites use infrared sensors to measure temperatures and track weather patterns.
Night vision:
Explore how military and law enforcement agencies utilize night vision goggles to convert invisible infrared light into visible images during nighttime operations.
Thermal imaging:
Delve into how firefighters employ thermal cameras powered by infrared technology to detect people or hotspots while combating fire hazards.
After highlighting these real-world examples, guide your students through hands-on activities that demonstrate the properties of infrared light. Here are two ideas:
Infrared Pen Experiment:
All you need is an infrared LED flashlight, a blank sheet of paper, and a digital camera (e.g., smartphone camera). In a dimly lit room, have students draw or write on paper with the flashlight while capturing the process using the camera. The infrared LED’s invisible light will become visible through the camera, resulting in fascinating images and a deeper understanding of infrared’s hidden abilities.
Human Heat Map:
Using an online tool or software that converts images into “thermal” representations, have students take pictures of each other or their surroundings and analyze the resulting “heat map.” This activity can help them visualize how different objects emit various levels of infrared radiation.
Teaching students about infrared light opens up a world of scientific discovery and innovation. Through clear explanations and engaging activities, K-12 teachers can ignite curiosity and empower young learners to explore the invisible yet undeniable wonder of infrared light.
