What Causes the Different Spinning Rates of a Radiometer?

My students often stare in wonder at the radiometer that sits in the window sil of my classroom. A lot of them think it's the temperature that causes the different spinning rates. Others think it's the amount of light. I decided to attempt to see which factor determines it. This could be a good inquiry activity for students and it also demonstrates how smartphones are becoming useful data collection devices.

Comments

[Michael Jones]

I think that what you are doing in science is pretty fantastic. I know that you say it is to stimulate your creative side however it is doing the same for your students. Their engagement in lessons must be a sight to see. Keep up the fabulous work. Our future depends on it!

[Darren Fix]

Thank you so much!

[Francisco]

Hi Darren! Im a student teacher from Murcia ( Spain ). I found your blog on the internet and I think it's very interesting and useful, and all the experiments you share with the rest of the world are just amazing.
Greetings, Francisco.

[Darren Fix]

Thank you so much!

[Francisco]

You are welcome, just keep on working like that ;-)
Francisco

[Anna Medina]

I'm hoping to become a math and physics teacher soon. I appreciate that you post experiments but let students draw their own conclusions. I also like that you use smart phones to collect data. I think that would be a great tool in a science classroom. I'll come back to your blog for ideas

[Darren Fix]

Glad you found useful ideas on the site. You have chosen a great profession to go into.