Learning about hot sun and cool shade

Two simple ways a child can learn that being in the sun is hotter than being in the shade is with a thermometer and a few pieces of ice.

Thermometer.
Take an outdoor thermometer. Place it in full sun for about ten minutes. Read the temperature and write it down.  Next, put the thermometer in the shade for ten minutes. Read the temperature again and write it down. Ask your child to notice any differences in the numbers. You can teach him how a higher number means a the temperature is hotter and a lower number means cooler terperature.

Ice.
Put two or three pieces of ice in a bowl and place it in full sun.  Put the same number of pieces of ice in a second bowl and place it in the shade. It will take a while for the ice to melt, so this is a good activity to do while playing outside.
Check back on the ice and notice what's different between the two. Is one bowl of ice melting faster than the other?  Why or why not?
Children might want to make the melted ice back into ice again. Ask them how they think it can be done. Try leaving one bowl in the sun and put one in the freezer and notice what happens.

Popsicles are a fun way to learn about hot sun and cool shade. Eat one in the sun and see how fast it melts. Eat one in the shade and see if it lasts longer.

For more science ideas and activities, check out Science Sunday