Things to think about
Things to think about Some things produce light, e.g. a lamp, the Sun. We call these light sources. Other things can reflect light, but they don’t produce light of their own, e.g. a mirror, aluminium foil, a white T-shirt. We call these reflectors. Some colours reflect more light than others. White is easier to see than red; red is easier to see than black. Reflectors will be seen if there is a source of light. Even on a ‘dark’ night there is usually light around, especially in towns. A good reflector may be visible on a dark night because of this. Cat’s eyes and reflective strips will also reflect the lights of cars. So Cosmic and Gem will need to wear something light coloured or shiny to be safe in the dark. They also need to get lights on their bikes. Keywords • Reflection • Source • Light • Safety Watch out! ! Make sure that children are not wandering around in the dark with sharp objects. Make sure that the area is cleared of obstacles and dangerous substances British Science Association Registered Charity No. 212479 and SC039236 10
Be Seen Be Safe Activity Card It is a great day for Gem. Her new bike has arrived. She is going for a ride with Cosmic to visit Aunt Stella. She puts on her favourite black tracksuit and pedals off to meet Cosmic. A little later, Aunt Stella is SO worried. It’s gone as dark as night outside. Where are they? Suddenly there’s a loud knock, rat-a-tat-tat, on the door. Oh no! It’s a policeman with Gem and Cosmic. They are looking very sheepish. “I nearly knocked these two off their bikes,” grumbles the policeman. “They were riding round, no lights and just look at what they are wearing! No wonder I couldn’t see them.” “Oh dear!” says Aunt Stella. “We need to make sure you can be seen and be safe in the dark. Now I wonder what we could do? I think we may need some help.” Your challenge Find out if Gem and Cosmic can wear something that will help them to be better seen in the dark. Cosmic thinks they need to wear something shiny Gem doesn’t think what we wear makes a difference Aunt Stella thinks they need to wear something white What do you think? Discuss • Why do you think Gem and Cosmic couldn’t be seen? • Was it just because they didn’t have lights on their bikes? • 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? 11
