4th Grade

Science

Standard: SC15.4.8 Construct a model to explain that an object can be seen when light reflected from its surface enters the eyes.

 Unpacked Content

Objective: Students did an experiment to see which color of water (red, yellow, blue, or green) heated up the fastest while in the sun.

Directions: Students worked in groups and placed 4 cups of colored water in the sun (one red, one yellow, one blue, one green).  We went outside at times throughout the day to check the temperatures and record our data.  Students then analyzed the data in their groups to come up with a conclusion about what color heated up the fastest in the sun.  We then discussed the science behind why dark colors heat up faster than lighter colors.

Guidelines: Students worked in groups to complete the activity.  They created a chart that showed the temperature for each color at each time that we went outside to check.  They then analyzed their data to make a conclusion about which color heated up the fastest.