Solar Magnifier Heat Concentration Science Lab

35 mins Ages 10-14 Outdoor

A challenging, hands-on discovery and STEM project designed for curious young minds aged 10 to 14.

Materials Needed

  • • Glass convex magnifying glass (at least 5 cm diameter) (1 unit)
  • • Metal pie pan or ceramic tile (1 unit)
  • • Dry dark leaf or piece of cotton char-cloth (1 piece)
  • • Water cup for extinguishing (1 unit)

Pro Tips

  • → Hold a magnifying glass perpendicular to direct midday sun, focusing light down onto a dark, dry leaf or carbonized char-cloth.
  • → Adjust the lens distance until the circle of light shrinks into an intense pinpoint.
  • → Within seconds, the concentrated solar heat ignites a glowing red ember on the tinder that can be blown into flame.

Safety First

Perform strictly outdoors over a fire-safe metal pan or bare stone. Keep water adjacent; adult supervises.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Set a clean metal pie pan flat on outdoor bare dirt or concrete, away from dry brush.

2

Step 2

Place a piece of dark char-cloth or a crisp, dry brown leaf in the center of the pan.

3

Step 3

Hold a magnifying glass between the midday sun and the tinder, adjusting height until the light focuses into a tiny point.

4

Step 4

Hold steady as smoke rises and a glowing red ember forms in the leaf, then safely extinguish with a cup of water.

What they are learning

Solar radiant focal point convergence Combustion auto-ignition temperature thresholds Optical solar survival skills