Distribute the following to students: three thermometers, one sheet of black paper, one sheet of white paper, and writing paper. Students will use the writing paper for recording predictions and results. Discuss with the students the sun's ability to create heat under certain circumstances. Allow students to tell what they know about it. Ask students for examples of how the sun heats the earth, and write the students' responses on the board. Add to the list if necessary.
Direct students to cover the bulb on one thermometer with black paper and another with white paper. Instruct them to write the numbers 1, 2 and 3 on their papers and to predict which thermometer will get the hottest and why. Students make predictions based on what they know of the sun's ability to create heat. Direct the students to set up their thermometers by a window or in an area where there is direct sunlight.
Set the timer for three minutes once all students have set up their thermometers. When the timer goes off, instruct students to record the temperatures of each and compare it to their predictions. Set the timer for an additional three minutes and have students make predictions on whether temperatures will change. Direct students to record results. End the session with a class collaboration on the findings.