Problem Solving in Science: The Washing Line Puzzle

As part of our ongoing Science investigations into evaporation, Year 4 faced a (hypothetical) dilemma:  In order to prepare for swimming next term, we need to erect a washing line (!) in the playgground to dry our towels. What would be the best site for it?   What factors might affect the rate of evaporation?

The children chose to focus on two: temperature and wind speed, and used a thermometer and the Beaufort scale to measure the different conditions in their zone.   Lots of fantastic problem solving, evaluating of each others' conclusions and debugging was observed.  Well done Year 4.