Temperature Detectives

Ingrid Zabel, Paleontological Research Institution

In this lesson students learn about how temperature values can vary depending on color (white vs. black) and light (direct light vs. shade) by making a hypothesis and testing it with thermometers. Students learn about strategies to keep cool during extreme heat.

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This lesson should be completed on a sunny day. Discussion questions can engage the class at the end of the lesson.
Students use basic thermometers to measure air temperatures under different conditions, draw conclusions about why air temperatures differ in these conditions, and apply what they've learned to strategies for staying cool during extreme heat events. Educators can make the connection between extreme heat and climate change, as extreme heat events will increase as a result of climate change. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
Students learn to use scientific instruments (thermometers) and to record data, explore temperatures in different locations and scenarios, and use scientific data to develop strategies for staying cool in extreme heat. This is an introduction activity for younger students to start thinking about the impacts of temperature and how different materials impact the temperature. This is a quick activity that works on data collection and organization.