Let’s Try It!

The Sun’s Affect on Water

On a sunny day, fill two shallow pans with water. Place one in a shaded area of your classroom and another outside in the sun. Wait several hours and then come back and check your pans.

Questions to think about while you are waiting:

• When you are cold, what kinds of things help you feel warmer?
• How do you feel after standing in the sun a few minutes? Warmer? Cooler?

After several hours, have the students touch the water in the pans.

• How does the water feel?
• Are you surprised by the warmth or coolness of the water?
• If the sun warms people and water, do you think it warms other things as well?
• Do you think things like rocks, grass, leaves, water or air are cooler or warmer in the sun or in the shade?