Class members engage in a STEM experiment and investigate how materials affect heating in a house by creating models of houses and using different top surface materials. They record the temperature inside the models and consider what the results mean in terms of actual buildings.

Concepts

solar energy, solar radiation, electromagnetic spectrum, infrared light, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• If possible, have groups create house models outside of class to save class time

Classroom Considerations

• Experiment requires materials
• Some previous knowledge of electromagnetic radiation is beneficial

Pros

• Includes background information for both teachers and parents
• Contains some optional extension activities

Cons

• None