Sun Hunters: Warm vs. Shade

Approximately 35 minutes

Big idea: The Sun warms the Earth. We can feel and measure it.

Objectives

• Make and record observations about sunlight vs. shade.

• Use simple tools (thermometer or touch scale) to compare temperatures.

Materials (per group of 2–3)

• 2 identical cups of water (or 2 paper plates with play‑dough)

• 2 thermometers or a simple “touch scale” chart (hot / warm / cool)

• Sticky notes or recording sheet

• Timer

Prep
Fill cups with room‑temp water, place one in sun, one in shade as class begins (or use play‑dough).

Procedure

1. Predict (5 min): Which will be warmer after 15 minutes — sun or shade? Why?

2. Observe (10–15 min): Place/leave one cup in sun, one in shade. Start timer. Take midpoint checks.

3. Measure & Record (5 min): Read thermometers or use touch scale; draw a picture of where the warm cup sat.

4. Share (5 min): What did we notice? Where does the warmth come from?

Assessment
Exit drawing: circle the warmer spot and add a sentence “The Sun warms ____.”

Safety
Use non‑glass thermometers; avoid very hot surfaces.

what you will learn:

• The Sun warms things on Earth (water, playground, classroom walls).

• Sun vs. shade feel different; we can observe and compare.

• We can be little scientists: predict → test → tell what happened.