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.
Next, to economize, you may need to divide students in groups of four. Have students use the Internet to find realtime data in which to compare their area to at least five other areas spread out across the U.S. or world. Next have them chart their findings. Keeping the same students in groups of four, have them choose a planet to compare its atmosphere to that of the earth's. Students can construct a chart to record the types of gases, mean temperature, and mean pressure.