If you want to know how to stay cool on a hot, sunny day, this is the activity for you. Have you noticed that when you go out in the sun wearing dark colors you feel hotter than if you wear white? This experiment demonstrates how color affects the temperature of objects.
This outdoor science activity is perfect for summer, and really easy to set up. Let us take you through the step by step of this simple summer science experiment, all about understanding how temperature is affected by color.
Hot and Cool Colors
If you want to know how to stay cool on a hot, sunny day, this is the activity for you. Have you noticed that when you go out in the sun wearing dark colors you feel hotter than if you wear white? This experiment demonstrates how color affects the temperature of objects.
Materials
- Bottles or containers (one for each colored piece of paper)
- Cool water
- Pitcher
- Colored paper (including white and black)
- Sticky tape
- Thermometer
Instructions
- Cover a bottle in a colored piece of paper and seal with tape.
- Repeat to cover each bottle with a different colored piece of paper.
- Fill a pitcher with water, then use a thermometer to take the temperature, and make a note of it. Pour the water into the bottles. Take the bottles outside and place in bright sunlight. Leave them to sit for 20 minutes.
- Measure the temperature of the water in each bottle and note down changes.
- Repeat this every 20 minutes for an hour. You should see that the water in bottles covered in darker paper is warmer than the lighter colors. The water in the white paper should remain the coolest.
- In our tests the water in the white bottle only increased by 7.2°F (4°C), compared to the black bottle which increased by 21.6°F (12°C). The lighter colored bottles (pink, yellow, purple) went up by 9–10.8°F (5–6°C) compared to the darker colors (blue, red, green), which increased between 10.8–12.6°F (6–7°C).
Science made simple
Why does the water in the white bottle stay cooler than the rest? This is because lighter colors are more reflective than darker colors: White reflects light waves and bounces them back into the air. It absorbs less heat from the sun, keeping the water cooler.
Black does the opposite and absorbs wavelengths of light. This means the color takes on the heat, so the temperature is raised.
The varying results in the other colors depend on how much pigment the color has. You can see this in everyday life.
Cars in hot countries are usually light colored so they stay cooler, sunshades are light colored, and you can stay cooler in white clothes during the summer months.
White reflects heat from the sun.
Black absorbs heat from the sun.
Outdoor Science Book
This experiment is from the book Outdoor Science by Laura Minter and Tia Williams. We were sent a copy of the book and it was so hard to choose just one activity to feature because there are so many amazing ideas in this book.
We really liked how easy these experiments are to set up at home, without needing a whole list of equipment, or a lot of experience. Any parent can easily set up these outdoor science experiments with their kids at home, and they are fun ideas that kids can really enjoy – while learning at the same time.
You could even take some ideas from the book and set up your own summer science camp at home with the kids.
From plant growth, weather patterns and habitats, to stars and chemical reactions, children will take an active role in their learning by engaging with the many fun projects included in a fun and memorable way.
More than just an educational textbook, this book adopts a hands-on approach suited for all the family so that children can observe natural phenomena, conduct experiments and interact with the environment whilst also bonding with their loved ones.
All the projects featured are suitable for beginners and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Children will be to get excited about all things science and burst any bouts of boredom by stepping outside and discovering what the natural world has to offer!
Activities and Experiments include: DIY Slushies, Water Clocks, Sand Volcano, Cardboard Box Oven, Wind Vane.
If your kids are fans of being outside and creating cool experiments, or they just like making a mess this book has you covered! It takes you on a journey of scientific discoveries in your garden or outside space that will have you in awe of how exciting science can be.
Featuring 30 hands-on experiments and craft activities Outdoor Science is
designed to encourage children to be curious about the science of the natural world and to boost their scientific knowledge through an array of exciting outdoor experiments and activities. From plant growth, weather patterns and habitats, to stars and chemical reactions, children will take an active role in their learning by engaging with the many
fascinating projects included in a fun and memorable way. Plus experimenting in the real world is a lot more enjoyable than just reading about it in a textbook at school!
Outdoor Science by Laura Minter and Tia Williams, Button Books, RRP £12.99, available online & from all good bookshops
More Science Activities for Kids
If you want to try even more simple science activities with the kids, we would definitely recommend getting a copy of the book. But we also have a few more science experiments right here at In The Playroom.
- Growing Gummy Bears Kitchen Science Experiment for Kids
- Easy Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment For Kids
- STEM LEGO Challenges With Free Printable
- Popsicle Stick Catapult STEM Activity
- 35 Fun Solar System Activities For Kids That Are Out Of This World
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