Air Temperature

What We're Doing

In this activity, you will measure and record the air temperature at your field site.

Why We're Doing It

Many variables can affect the types of creatures and soil you find at your field site. Temperature is one of those variables. By measuring and recording the air temperature over a period of time, you can discover how it varies at your field site.

Making the connection:

  • By doing this activity with Soil Biodiversity, you can discover what effect air temperature has on the types of creatures and soil at your field site.
  • By doing this activity with Soil Properties, you can discover the relationship between air temperature and soil properties, such as soil temperature.

Getting Our Hands Dirty

Hypothesize

What will the air temperature be at your field site?

Plan it!

  • If you haven't already done so, choose a field site and map it in your field journal.
  • Decide how often to take temperature readings. If you are working with a group or as a class, you should decide together. As you decide, think about these questions:
    • How might your results be affected if you take daily readings?
    • How might your results be affected if you take monthly readings?
    • How might your results be affected if you take annual readings?
    Most scientists would agree that taking readings at least once a week will give you the most accurate record of changes in temperature over time.

Do it!

  1. Choose a spot in your field area in which to take a reading. You will need to take your air temperature readings in the same spot and at the same time of day each time you do it.
  2. Prepare your thermometer as necessary. This will vary depending on the type of thermometer you are using. (For example, take the thermometer out of its protective case.)
  3. Hold your thermometer in the air. Be sure to keep it still. The length of time you need to wait for an accurate reading will vary according to the type of thermometer you use, but a few minutes should be enough for a good reading.

Record it!

  • Record the temperature on the Environmental Factors worksheet . Be sure to mark the date and time you took your reading.
  • On the field site map you drew in your field journal, mark the spot where you took the temperature reading.
  • Add the Environmental Factors worksheet to your field journal.

Remember, be sci-wise!

  • Do not allow the direct heat of the sun to warm up the thermometer. This could affect the temperature reading.
  • Store the thermometer in a cardboard tube when it is not in use, and take the temperature reading right after pulling it out of the tube.
  • If your results seem unusual, double-check them by taking another reading. If your reading is still unusual, try using a different thermometer.

Thinking About It

  • What was the temperature at your site?
  • Based on the data you collected, was your hypothesis correct or incorrect? Why?
  • How did the temperature at your site change over time?
  • What patterns or links did you notice between the weather and the air temperature? Between the season and the air temperature?
  • If you were to continue taking the air temperature for a whole year, what differences would you expect to find?
  • Looking at the bigger picture, how might the data you collected help you to answer your research question?
  • Fill in this section of the Factors That Affect the Soil Overview worksheet .

Still Interested?

If you liked this activity, try these:

  • Measure both air temperature and soil temperature and then compare. Collect measurements on a weekly or monthly basis. Can you find any relationships between the two sets of measurements?
  • Average all the data taken by your class to find average weekly and monthly temperatures for your field site.
  • Measure the air temperature at many different spots within your field site. Will the readings vary? What do you predict?
  • Contact your local weather station or check the temperature listings for your area online and see if your readings are the same as theirs.
  • Record the air temperature at your site at the same spot every hour for one full day to determine the warmest and coolest times of the day. What do you predict will be the warmest hour? Why? Do you think you would get the same results for each day?
  • Record air temperatures taken above your head and one inch from the ground. Will they differ? What do you predict?

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