Have them measure the temperature of the air over as many different surfaces as possible. Have them first make a prediction of the air temperatures. Students should record the temperatures of the air early in the morning, at midday, and in the evening for several days at the same time each day. Create a discussion after each data collection period. Compare which surface air temperature was greatest, lowest, etc.
Students can make bar graphs of the air temperatures measured to show comparison at each location.
Allow students time to work in their group to conduct the following experiments. Students will discover how the sun heats up various materials on the earth at different rates. Fill one bucket with soil to a depth of approximately 15 centimeters. Fill the other buckets to the same depth with cool water and the other with pebbles. Set both buckets out in the sun or under a heat lamp.