Secret Messages
Youth explore how different colored filters work to hide or highlight other colors.
Guiding Question
How can we gather remote sensing data to help scientists find out about minerals from a distance?
TimingSetup
The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity.
- Post the Engineering Design Process poster.
- Draw the Optical Filter Investigations chart, Educator Guide p. 36, on chart paper and post it near the EDP poster.
- Create a Materials Table with the materials listed in the Educator Guide p. 25.
Youth Will Know
- They can combine technologies, like optical filters, with remote sensing devices to reveal information.
- Manipulating colors can help them make sense of complex visual data.
Youth Will Do
Manipulate light and color to reveal visual information.
Did you know?
Since Mars is very red, planetary scientists use optical filters to highlight colors they wouldn’t see or notice otherwise.
Quick Tips
- It is very difficult to make indiscernible messages. Focus youth on the difference rather than trying to achieve a truly hidden message.
- If groups finish early, have them use extra folders and tape to combine their optical filters with familiar technologies, like glasses.