Mississippi Science E.K.8B.2
The Standard
- E.K.8B
- Students will demonstrate an understanding that the Sun provides the Earth with heat and light.
With teacher guidance, develop questions to conduct a structured investigation to determine how sunlight affects the temperature of the Earth’s natural resources (e.g., sand, soil, rocks, and water).
2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Earth and the Universe
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students ask, with teacher help, whether sunlight changes the temperature of sand, soil, rocks, or water. They compare matching samples left in sunlight and shade for the same amount of time.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can ask, 'Is sand warmer in sunlight or shade?' With help, they check both samples with a thermometer and use the readings to answer.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think a shaded rock cannot be warm. They may compare sand in sun with water in shade and say sunlight caused the whole difference.
How to Assess It
- Show pictures of matching cups of sand in sun and shade, with thermometer pictures at different heights. Ask, 'What question were we testing, and which cup was warmer?'
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set two cups of sand and two of soil in sun and shade for 20 minutes, then compare thermometer readings.
Ask, 'Will a rock be warmer in sun or shade?' Have partners name what must stay the same to test it.
Give pairs sunny and shaded picture cards for sand, soil, rocks, and water; have them match materials and predict which is warmer.
Compare thermometer readings from sunny and shaded playground sand, then choose a cooler spot for a picnic blanket.
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