Question 32
Some animals, such as bats and dolphins, use echo location to find food. In this activity, you will use light and a mirror to model echo location.
You will need:
- a small plane mirror that can be propped up vertically, a flashlight or ray box, a piece of card or wood that will cover the mirror when placed horizontally, four items to support the piece of card over the mirror
You need to work in pairs, as learner A and learner B. Then swap roles.
Learner A
1. Place the mirror vertically on a desk without letting your partner see.
2. Place the card over the mirror. Support it so that the mirror cannot be seen, as shown in the diagram.
Learner B
1. Look at the apparatus from above, so that you cannot see where the mirror is.
2. Use the flashlight or ray box to locate the mirror.
3. Attempt to find:
- where the mirror is, as accurately as possible
- what direction the mirror is facing.
Make a list of:
a strengths of this model in representing echo location
You will need:
- a small plane mirror that can be propped up vertically, a flashlight or ray box, a piece of card or wood that will cover the mirror when placed horizontally, four items to support the piece of card over the mirror
You need to work in pairs, as learner A and learner B. Then swap roles.
Learner A
1. Place the mirror vertically on a desk without letting your partner see.
2. Place the card over the mirror. Support it so that the mirror cannot be seen, as shown in the diagram.
Learner B
1. Look at the apparatus from above, so that you cannot see where the mirror is.
2. Use the flashlight or ray box to locate the mirror.
3. Attempt to find:
- where the mirror is, as accurately as possible
- what direction the mirror is facing.
Make a list of:
a strengths of this model in representing echo location
