Sample photographs taken using a pinhole camera
Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation
Before you begin the scientific investigation below, make sure to download the Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Introduction
A pinhole viewer is a simple device that has no lens and includes a small hole through which light can travel. As light passes through the hole, it projects an image which can be viewed by the human eye. Simple versions of pinhole viewers have been used for thousands of years, and historians have found evidence that they were used in Ancient Greece. Since it is dangerous to look directly at the Sun, these devices allow people to observe the behavior of the Sun without looking directly at it.
CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to look directly at the Sun. Looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage and even blindness. Do not ever attempt to view the Sun or Sun-related phenomena without the use of specialized equipment.
In this scientific investigation you will create your own pinhole viewer and use this viewer to observe the Sun.
Objectives
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop you own hypothesis which describe your expected results. When developing your hypothesis you may want to consider the following question:
Record these hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation Report.
Equipment and Materials
Pinhole viewers can be constructed using two different sets of materials. View the equipment and materials below, and select one of the methods to construct your pinhole viewer. Both methods will allow you to observe the Sun, so you may choose either method.
Method A: Paper | Method B: Box |
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Procedure and Data Collection
Based on the materials that you selected to construct your pinhole viewer, follow the appropriate procedures below. Please note, this scientific investigation must be conducted on a sunny day. As part of this assignment, you should record your construction and use of the pinhole viewer. You may use a camera, phone, or video recorder to create a set of images or a short movie for submission to the assignment’s dropbox.
Method A: Paper
Method B: Box
Data
Using the blank space provided on the Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation Report, describe the construction of your pinhole viewer, create an illustration of your observations, and record what you see. Also, you may want to include any other items of importance that you encounter during the scientific investigation. Make sure to be thorough in your descriptions so that someone who has never constructed a pinhole viewer would understand what you are documenting.
Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of your Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions:
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of your Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation Report, compose a three to four sentences describing your overall conclusion based on your data. Were your hypotheses true or false, and how do you know? Use the observations and notes that you collected from your investigation to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include your information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Experimental Sources of Error
On your Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation Report, provide reasons to the following questions: Are there any sources of error? If so, what are they, and what could be done to minimize error?
Once you have constructed your pinhole viewer and documented its use, please submit your Pinhole Viewer Scientific Investigation Report along with your video/pictures to the dropbox.