I would like to teach my first class children about hot and cold. I’ll prepare two ice cubes, identical small bowls, A3 sheets of white, blue, and red paper, name cards, and colouring pencils. I’ll draw a table on the white paper with columns labeled sun and shadow and hang the blue and red sheets on opposite sides of the classroom.
I’ll start by asking the children what the Sun looks like and when it’s visible. We’ll discuss why the Sun is important, and I’ll prompt them to respond to statements about the Sun, such as its size, light, and heat. This will help them understand key facts about the Sun.
Next, we’ll investigate whether it’s warmer in the sun than in the shade. I’ll place an ice cube in each bowl, one in the sun and the other in the shade, and observe which melts faster, showing that the Sun gives off heat.
Finally, we’ll discuss hot and cold using the blue and red sheets to represent these concepts. The children will colour pictures showing their understanding of the Sun’s heat.