Easy Science Experiment: Dark Vs. White Shirts in the Sun

By Deborah Pace Rowley

During summer camp, we did a simple science experiment that I think would make a great project for a science fair.

We tested the theory that dark shirts are hotter in the sun. The way we tested this theory was to put the kids in both white and black t-shirts.

Then we stuck onto their foreheads those digital thermometers that record body temperature. Ours were called Fever Bugz and came in cute butterfly, caterpillar and ladybug patterns.

You can order them for less than $5.00 here. The kids were excited to see the results after standing in the sun and in the shade for 4 to 5 minutes.

Then we recorded their results on a chart and we were done! I love simple and easy science experiments that can be accomplished in one day. (Although if your child springs their science fair project on you at 10 p.m. the night before it is due.... this one won't exactly work! Not that THAT has happened to me before!!)