Level 1
Match BLACK or WHITE.
2026–27 • Labs & wellness
Which Color Gets Warmer?
Use recorded temperatures to compare black and white paper in sunlight.
Classroom lesson: Which Color Gets Warmer?Today I can…
compare a prediction with measured temperatures
Words to know
Words for this lesson
PAPERSUNTHERMOMETERNUMBERPHOTO
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Match black
Find the black paper sample in the photo.
- 2
Match white
Find the matching white paper sample in the photo.
- 3
Predict warming
Choose which sample you think might become warmer.
- 4
Read the record
Find the ending temperature shown for each sample.
- 5
Compare measurements
Choose the warmer measured sample or SAME.
- 6
Check your prediction
Compare your prediction with the recorded temperatures.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
BLACKWHITESAMEHELPBREAK
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Two matched digital thermometers with probes wrapped in equal-size black/white paper; dated initial/final readings from equal sunlight exposure before class; existing AAC. Teacher-only setup; no heaters, hot surfaces or sun-gazing.
Safety first
Keep learners seated at a shared display; offer observation without touch and AAC, gaze, gesture or speech. Honor NO, STOP and BREAK; allow wait time and follow individual vision, allergy, mouthing and supervision plans. Select support individually, never by age or House. Use teacher-only preparation and dated starting/ending readings from matched thermometers with equal-size black/white paper under equal sunlight exposure. Learners use records without heat exposure; no heaters, hot surfaces, touching to judge safety or sun-gazing. Do not substitute a low-heat LED. Dark surfaces often absorb more sunlight, but darker does not always mean hotter; results depend on conditions.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Individual learning objectives
Choose Level 1, 2 or 3 individually in either House group. A House is not an ability level. Watching, directing and communicating a boundary are valid participation.
Level 2
Compare which measured sample is warmer.
Level 3
Use measured temperatures to check a prediction.
Skill focus: Solar energy, temperature comparison, prediction, measurement
30-minute teaching sequence
Introduce · 5 min
5 min: Show matching black and white paper samples. Ask, "Which might warm more in sunlight?" Explain that darker surfaces often absorb more sunlight. Predictions are guesses to test; color alone does not tell us a surface is safe to touch.
I do · 10 min
I do 10 min: Show temperatures from matching black/white paper setups exposed to the same sunlight for equal time before class. Compare starting and ending readings. Keep thermometers and samples teacher-controlled. Use dated recorded results if sunlight is unavailable; do not substitute a low-heat LED lamp.
We do · 10 min
We do 10 min: L1 identifies black/white. L2 selects the warmer measured sample or SAME. L3 compares predictions with readings and checks equal exposure time. Results depend on conditions; darker does not always mean hotter. Offer numbers or warmer/cooler choices.
Exit choice · 5 min
L1: Which is black? L2: Which measured sample was warmer? L3: What evidence supports your answer? Accept AAC, gaze, gesture or speech. Record support.
Science note: Warmer means a higher temperature.
Curriculum connection: NGSS K-PS3-1 connection.
Prepare for this learner
Both House groups: choose L1/L2/L3 individually, never by age. Stay seated; teacher controls materials. Offer speech, AAC, pointing or gaze, 1-2 high-contrast choices, wait time, observation/no-touch and NO/BREAK. Record response and support; honor refusal.
Record the response, access method, opportunities and support used. Record observed, declined or not assessed separately; a communicated refusal is not a failure of participation.
Word lesson plan
Editable classroom source plan. Source files may retain earlier titles. Use the individual level choices and safety guidance above when preparing the session.
Access supports
Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.
Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.
Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.
Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.