Sonoran Desert

Try This

Cool Burrow

What it does

This experiment shows why many desert animals burrow underground.

What you need

• 2 outdoor thermometers
• trowel (small shovel)
• white cloth or towel

What to do

1. Dig a hole 4 inches into the ground and insert one of the thermometers.
2. Cover the hole and thermometer with the white cloth.
3. Lay the second thermometer on the ground, close to the hole.
4. Wait for about five minutes, then take the first thermometer out of the hole and read it immediately.
5. Read the second thermometer.

What it's all about

You should find that the temperature in the hole is lower than the temperature on the ground. The surface of the ground gets hotter because it is exposed to direct sunlight. Many desert animals dig burrows in the ground to keep cool in the daytime heat.

Remember, be sure you have a parent, teacher, or other adult help you!

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