To measure how different surfaces in your hometown give off heat, try this experiment

Science World, Oct 6, 1997

WHAT YOU NEED

outdoor thermometer * pencil * data sheet (from Teacher's Edition) * meter stick

WHAT TO DO

1. Designate a research area near your school that contains different land surfaces (for example: soil, concrete, grass, and trees). Draw a map of the area.

2. Measure air temperatures in each land surface on your map at various heights (4 cm, 30 cm, and 60 cm). Record your results in the data table.

3. Repeat Step 2 several times during the day or at the same time over several days for comparison. Graph your results.

CONCLUSIONS

Which surfaces give off the most heat? Keep in mind that other factors influence temperature, including wind and humidity.

DON'T STOP NOW!

Repeat the experiment using a soil thermometer to measure soil temperature during different times of the day. Why might this data be important for farmers?

COPYRIGHT 1997 Scholastic, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

 

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