If you’re doing the activity inside or outside on concrete/rock…
1. In a small area under sunlight, start by measuring the temperature of the surface by placing the sensor on the surface/ground, and record the temperature. Repeat this in a few different spots to see if it is the same across the area.
2. Identify and mark three spots in the sun and measure the temperature, making sure to identify which measurement corresponds to which spot.
a. The first spot will be your control to see what the temperature is like if you don’t make any changes.
b. The second spot will be used to measure how water affects the temperature. Place the cup of water in this spot in the sun.
c. The third spot will be used to measure how shade affects the temperature. Arrange a box, chair, or another object near or on top of this spot so that it is shaded from the sun.
3. Wait 10 minutes after placing the cup of water down and setting up the shade. After 10 minutes, take another measurement at all 3 spots. Repeat four more times for a total of 6 measurements at each spot taken over a period of an hour.
Reflection
1. How do these different conditions affect temperature?
2. Can you make a map of soil or ground temperatures in your study area? How might this change over 24 hours? How can this help inform planting a garden where different plants have different temp/moisture preferences?
Bridge activity: Make a map of the soil or ground temperatures in your yard or other study area using the temperature sensor, then using the digital light sensor, record the light levels at the same spots. Do patterns in light correspond with patterns in temperature?