Weather Scouts Experiment:

This easy experiment will help to show how a difference in temperatures can occur on land verses water, even if they receive the same amount of sun.

Materials needed:
2 thermometers
2 baking pans
1 heat lamp (preferably 2)
Aluminum foil
dry soil (the dustier the better) sand will also work
water

Procedure:
Part 1
Step 01: get 2 pieces of aluminum foil that are twice as wide as a baking pan and twice as long
Step 02: fill one baking pan with soil and the other baking pan with water
Step 03: place the aluminum foil pieces on a flat surface and lay the baking pans down on them (be sure to place the baking pan in the center of the foil)
Step 04: lay one thermometer on the soil sample.
Step 05: tape one thermometer to the baking pan full of water. Allow the bulb to sit at the top of the water. If it falls in, that is ok but try to tape it such that it stays right on top of the water.
Step 06: Place the heat lamps directly over your contraptions. Turn the heat lamps on. If possible keep each heat lamp approximately 18 inches above the soil and water samples.
Step 07: Wait 30 minutes and then check the temperatures again.

Part 1 Questions:
Which sample received more heat from the lamps?
Which sample was warmer after 30 minutes?
Which substance heats faster?

Part 2:
Step 08: Leave the heat lamps on for the 2 hours and check the temperatures of each sample now.
Step 09: Turn off the heat lamps after step 9.
Step 10: Wait 30 minutes and check the temperatures of the soil and water samples.

Part 2 Questions:
How many degrees did the soil cool during the 30 minutes?
How many degrees did the water cool during the 30 minutes?
Which substance cools faster?