Why are some roads black and some light gray?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why are some roads black and some light gray?

The Big Idea

Some roads are black, and some are light gray. They are made of different materials! Let's compare them.

Asphalt

Step one: Asphalt. Black roads are made from asphalt, a sticky black material from oil mixed with stones. It is quick to lay, bendy, and quiet to drive on.

Concrete

Step two: Concrete. Light gray roads are made of concrete, a mix of cement, sand, and gravel. Concrete is hard and long-lasting but can crack and thump at joints.

Choosing

Step three: Choosing. Each material is chosen to fit the job, the climate, and the cost. Many cities use both.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Asphalt is black. Oil makes it sticky. Concrete is gray. Cement holds it together.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Light-colored concrete reflects more sunlight and stays cooler. Old asphalt can be recycled. Cars thump over the joints in concrete roads. Asphalt roads can open to cars quickly after paving.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put a black paper and a white paper side by side in the sun. Wait ten minutes. Gently feel which one is warmer. Why do you think that is? How might this matter for roads?

Outro

Black roads are asphalt, a sticky oil material mixed with stones that is quick and quiet, while light gray roads are concrete, which is hard and long-lasting. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!