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Measuring temperature
I can safely and accurately measure the temperature of different objects using a thermometer.
Lesson 1 of 8
New
New
- Year 7
Measuring temperature
I can safely and accurately measure the temperature of different objects using a thermometer.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Thermometers measure temperature in degrees Celsius (ºC).
- Glass thermometers are fragile and need to be handled with care.
- To accurately read the scale on a glass thermometer, your eye needs to be level with the top of the coloured liquid.
- Pure ice melts at 0ºC and pure water boils at 100ºC.
- If left for long enough, all objects in a room will reach the same temperature.
Keywords
Temperature - a measure of how hot or cold an object is
Degrees Celsius - a unit of temperature
Thermometer - a device that measures temperature
Common misconception
Pupils often estimate the temperature of an object based on its materials, rather than the temperature of the surroundings.
Measure the temperature of several things that are all at room temperature such as water, sand and the air, in order to show that they are all the same.
Ask pupils to research the temperature of a range of different objects that are less common, such as the temperature of different planets in our solar system, in order to extend their understanding of temperature beyond 0 – 100ºC.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Glass thermometer, retort stand.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What should you use to measure the temperature of a hot cup of tea?
What should you use to measure the temperature of a hot cup of tea?
a barometer
a finger
a temperaturemeter
Q2.Which of the following is a unit of temperature?
Which of the following is a unit of temperature?
Celsius
Celsius degrees
degrees
Q3.Which of the following is the symbol used to represent degrees Celsius?
Which of the following is the symbol used to represent degrees Celsius?
C
d
dC
°
Q4.Which of the following indicates to a doctor or a nurse that you have a fever?
Which of the following indicates to a doctor or a nurse that you have a fever?
If you have no temperature.
If your temperature is lower than normal.
If your temperature is normal.
Q5.What happens to your temperature when you do a lot of vigorous exercise?
What happens to your temperature when you do a lot of vigorous exercise?
it decreases
it stays the same
Q6.What changes from its solid state to its liquid state as the temperature rises above zero degrees Celcius?
What changes from its solid state to its liquid state as the temperature rises above zero degrees Celcius?
all cold substances
ice
steam
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the correct way to write degrees Celsius in symbols?
Which of the following is the correct way to write degrees Celsius in symbols?
ₒC
C°
Cₒ
Q2.Which part of a thermometer is sensitive to the temperature of something?
Which part of a thermometer is sensitive to the temperature of something?
glass tube
scale
0°C
Q3.Why should you put a thermometer in a tray when it is not in use?
Why should you put a thermometer in a tray when it is not in use?
To allow it to cool down between measurements.
So that it is easy to find when you need it.
Q4.Why should you wear safety goggles when measuring the temperature of water whilst heating it using a Bunsen burner?
Why should you wear safety goggles when measuring the temperature of water whilst heating it using a Bunsen burner?
In case the thermometer you are using smashes.
To prevent hot water from splashing into your eyes.
Q5.Match the following objects to its temperature.
Match the following objects to its temperature.
Q6.In the morning, the temperature in a classroom is 22°C. What is the most likely temperature of a cup of coffee left on the teacher’s desk overnight?
In the morning, the temperature in a classroom is 22°C. What is the most likely temperature of a cup of coffee left on the teacher’s desk overnight?
15°C
29°C
37°C
