Be Seen Be Safe Activity

Be Seen Be Safe Activity Card Cosmic and Gem have been travelling through the Channel Tunnel on the Eurotunnel with Aunt Stella. “Did you know the bottom of the Channel Tunnel is 250 feet below sea level?” says Aunt Stella. “Wow, it must be really dark in the tunnel!” exclaims Gem. “‘What happens when the tracks break on railways? How do the train drivers make sure there is no one on the line when they are driving along?’” asks Cosmic “Railway workers have to wear special clothing to make sure they are seen. Can you figure out what the best material to use is?” replies Aunt Stella. Your challenge Help Gem and Cosmic figure out the best material to help railway workers be seen in the dark. Cosmic thinks they need to wear something shiny Gem doesn’t think what they wear makes a difference Aunt Stella thinks they need to wear something white What do you think? Discuss • Have you noticed what you can see in the dark? • How will you find out if different materials can be seen in the dark? • What will you do to make sure it is a fair test?

Getting started You need to compare how well each material can be seen. Make a dark space by drawing curtains, working in a corridor or other dimly lit area, to help you see the difference between good and bad light reflectors. Which materials can you see the best? What difference does having more light make? What can you see in complete darkness? Do some colours work better than others? 2/2 Test your ideas Make a table to record your results. Material How well does it reflect? Complete darkness A little bit of light A lot of light Shiny material White material Dark material Share your ideas How did your investigation go? Was there anything you could have improved about your test? Why not design something for Cosmic and Gem to wear? Extra things to do Find out if you can see reflectors in total darkness. Design a warning poster to help children to be safe at night.