Core Skills Analysis
Science
Ella followed an investigation about how the color of a surface related to temperature, first allowing two thermometers to sit in sunlight until both read 86°F. Ella then covered one thermometer with black construction paper and the other with white paper, and the recorded readings were 91°F for black and 89°F for white. Ella observed that the black-paper thermometer ended 2°F warmer in this trial, a result consistent with dark surfaces absorbing more light energy than light-colored surfaces. By completing the experiment and its questions, Ella explored how light energy and temperature were connected.
Math
Ella worked with temperature measurements by recording and comparing the thermometer readings in degrees Fahrenheit. The two thermometers began at 86°F, and the later readings—91°F under black paper and 89°F under white paper—showed increases of 5°F and 3°F, respectively. Ella’s results also allowed a direct comparison: the black-paper reading was 2°F higher than the white-paper reading. The experiment gave Ella practice interpreting numerical data collected at different points in time.
Language Arts
Ella used the written procedure to carry out a sequence of steps, including setting up the thermometers, waiting for specified intervals, and recording results. Ella also completed the associated questions, connecting written directions and observations to an explanation of the activity. This supported science-focused reading comprehension and the use of clear, evidence-based responses. Ella practiced communicating information from an investigation through recorded observations and answers.
Tips
Tips Extend Ella’s investigation by testing several paper colors while keeping the thermometers in the same sunny location and using equal waiting times; ask Ella to predict the results before each trial. Repeat the comparison on another day or in shade, then discuss how changing the conditions may affect the evidence. Have Ella organize each reading in a table and make a line graph to show how temperature changed over time. Finish with a short claim-evidence-reasoning explanation that uses the measured temperatures to support a conclusion about color and absorbed light.
Book Recommendations
- The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay: An illustrated guide to scientific principles and technology that offers accessible context for exploring energy and how the physical world works.
Learning Standards
- Florida SC.7.P.10.2: The activity connected to observing and explaining how light may be absorbed, as Ella compared temperature readings beneath black and white paper in sunlight.
- Florida SC.7.P.11.1: Ella observed temperature changes in a system exposed to sunlight and recorded thermometer readings over time.
- Florida SC.7.N.1.1: Ella carried out a step-by-step investigation, collected measurements, and answered questions about the results, practicing scientific inquiry and evidence-based explanation.
Try This Next
- Temperature data table: Record the starting and later readings for each paper color, then calculate each temperature change.
- Graphing task: Create a bar graph comparing the final temperatures under black and white paper.
- Prediction prompt: Before testing a new color, write which thermometer is expected to become warmer and explain why.
- Claim-evidence-reasoning prompt: Use the recorded readings to explain what the experiment suggested about paper color and temperature.