Experiment: Investigating the Warming of the Earth by Radiant Energy.
Problem: Are sand and water warmed equally by the sun?
Objective: The student will see how water and sand are affected by the sun.
Procedure: Obtain two identically shaped aluminum pie pans about 20 centimeters in diameter. In one pan place 500 grams of sand; in the other, place 500 milliliters of water. Then place a thermometer in each pan so that the thermometer bulbs are submerged to the same depth. Using two 100-watt electric light bulbs, suspend one bulb above each pan at a height of 15 centimeters from the top of the pan. Record the temperature of the sand and of the water in their respective pans. Then turn on the lamps and record the temperature readings taken at 5 minute intervals over a 30 minute time period. Analyze the data collected on the basis of the comparative study, draw a conclusion relating to the warming of sand and water at the beach on a sunny day.
Source: Allen, Dorothea,
Elementary Science Activities for Every Month of the School Year
, Parker Publishing Co., NY, 1981, p. 158.