ST3 - INFRARED ACTIVITIES KIT

Each kit is contained inside a black bag.

To use the kit, first set up an infra-red camera using Videolan VLC or any similar software as described here

The following activites link to the curriculum outcomes as described here

1. A black bag that is opaque to visible light
2. An opaque, red/coloured postal envelope
3. Pieces of plain paper that have been written on using a variety of marker pens
4. A red and a black playing card
5. A piece of exposed camera film (inside the postal envelope)

The piece of exposed camera film can be attached over the lens of the infrared camera (with cellotape (or similar) - Best if taped so that the film can be flipped up/down to un/cover the lens.

The film is almost opaque to visible light but nearly transparent to infrared light.

• To show that the film is almost opaque, look though it.
• The infrared camera displays both visible and infrared light. Placing the exposed film over the lens block most visible light , leaving an image composed of mostly infrared light

First empty the envelope and then place individual items inside the envelope. Hold the envelope close to the infrared camera. Compare what is seen in the on-sceen camera with what can be seen by eye.

The experiment should show that, when placed inside the envelope, some items/colours remain visible to infrared light but are not visible to the naked eye.

HINT: Most standard TV remote control units can be used to make the contents of the envelope more visible, Place the envelope between the camera and the remote control unit, point the remote control towards the rear of the envelope andd press any button.

Repeat the experiment by placing a range of items inside the black bag (best to use one item at a time). Some items/colours are visible to infrared light but not visible to the naked eye.

What does this tell you about the interaction between light and different materials?

Compare what printed designs appear on the the gift wrapping paper with what appears when seen by the infrared camera (flip the film on/off the infrared camera lens to compare images).

What does this tell you about the difference effects of light, dyes and pigments?

Can some materials be both transparent and opaque?

Check out Stage3 PD section for other wiki pages that provide more activity ideas and explanations

Also, search the wiki for the word 'infrared'