Homeschool Science Tip of the Month - Enjoy some sunshine!

We are heading into the dog days of summer, where the days are longer and the sun shines more brilliantly. The extra sunlight during this time of year makes it easier for us to harness a bit of solar science fun!

So, our tip this month is to enjoy some sunshine!

Here are a few solar science activities you can do with what you have on hand:

• Test the temperature in the sun versus in the shade. You can use a thermometer for this or just stand in both the direct sun and shade for 5 minutes and see how different it feels.
• Use the sun's heat to warm something up. You can go all out and build a solar oven to make s'mores. You can just set out a cup of water in the direct sun and observe what happens. Or you can just chat about why that ice cream or popsicle melts faster on a sunny day.
• Watch the sunrise or sunset. As you observe the change from night to day (or vice versa) talk with your kids about why this happens.

If you want to spend a bit of money, try these solar science activities:

• Make sun prints with sun-sensitive paper.
• Build a small car or a dancing butterfly that uses solar power.
• Play with the solar cell from the Snap Circuits Alternative Energy kit.

Need a few more ideas for summer science? Check out these past tips from June:

• Wonder Science
• Night Sky
• Science Fair
• Summer Science