Fall Temperature Science Investigation

Have you ever noticed how cool and crisp fall evenings feel compared to warm afternoons? Fall is the perfect season to explore how the temperature changes throughout the day. Let’s set up a fall temperature science investigation using the scientific method!

Measuring Temperature

This seasonal temperature investigation ties into Earth Science, focusing on weather patterns and seasonal changes, as well as Environmental science and climate change.

Kids learn to use thermometers to record daily temperatures, often tracking them at different times and across multiple days. This helps them understand how temperatures change throughout the day and across seasons. Explore how the four seasons change here.

Kids also explore how seasons affect weather, such as why fall is cooler than summer and summer is hotter than winter. Why not try projects comparing weather data from different seasons? Understanding how temperature fluctuates day and night is key to exploring weather, climate, and the earth’s atmosphere.

Seasonal Changes Investigation

Grade Level: This experiment best suits grades 2-5.

💡 Make sure to explore all of our fall science experiments for kids.

Supplies

Thermometer
Printable science investigation Pages (see below)
Pencil
Clock or timer

How To Set Up A Temperature Science Experiment

This experiment provides an excellent opportunity to use the scientific method and choose variables.

Step 1. Start with a question. For example; How does the temperature change from day to night during fall?

Step 2. Come up with a hypothesis. A possible hypothesis might be: “I predict the temperature will drop by at least 10°F at night during fall”.

Step 3. Choose your variables. The dependent variable (what you measure) would be the temperature. The independent variable (related to the question), is the time of day you take your measurements. Controlled variables (factors you keep the same) would be the location you measure the temperature, length of time outside before measuring, type of thermometer etc.

Step 4. Conduct the Experiment. Record the temperature outside at the same location and time each day for one week. Check and note the temperature three times daily: in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Step 5. Record measurements. Collect and record data for one week.

Step 6. Draw a conclusion. Analyze the temperature data to determine how much the temperature typically drops from the day to night during fall. You may want to find the average temperature for each time for the week. Did the temperature drop by 10°F or more as predicted, or was the change less?

💡 Extra: Look up recorded temperatures for your local area from the same week a year ago, five years ago, and ten years ago. What patterns or changes can you detect?

Get your FREE printable seasonal temperatures project!

Why Does the Temperature Change?

As the Earth rotates, the sun warms different parts of the planet at different times. During the fall, shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight cause temperatures to cool down at night. Investigating fall temperature changes helps students understand the concepts of heat energy, radiation, and the Earth’s seasonal tilt.

Extension Activities:

Investigating Seasonal Shadows: How does the length of shadows change throughout the day in fall?
Track the Temperature All Year: By adding winter, spring, and summer, you can turn this fall temperature science experiment into a four-season experiment.
Make a Wind Vane or Rain Gauge: Use simple weather instruments to measure and record local weather during Fall.
Cloud Types and Weather: Identify and record different cloud formations during your temperature investigation.

What Is The Difference Between Weather and Climate?

Climate and weather are different, but they are connected. Weather is what we experience every day, like sunny, rainy, hot, or cold days. Climate is the average weather over a long time, such as years or decades. In this experiment, students track the weather during fall. This shows how temperature changes throughout the day. However, because of climate change, fall temperatures may be warmer now than they were many years ago.

Climate change occurs when gases from things like cars and factories trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This causes the planet to warm up over time, so fall nights may not cool down as much as they used to.

We can compare the data students collect to past temperatures to see if the climate is changing. To help, students can do simple things like planting trees or recycling, which can make a positive difference! See What’s your carbon footprint?

More Weather Activities for Kids

Find a complete list of weather activities [here].

Printable Weather Activities Pack

Explore the fascinating world of weather with this fun and educational weather STEM pack designed for kids of all ages! Whether you want a seasonal theme or a simple science activity to enjoy year-round, these hands-on weather projects are perfect for engaging young minds. Kindergarten – 3rd Grade