Thermometers and data loggers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can measure and record temperature in different ways.
Key learning points
- Temperature is a measure of the heat of an object.
- A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature.
- In the UK, the unit of temperature measurement is degrees Celsius, represented by the symbol °C.
- Data loggers can be used to monitor and record changes in the environment such as light, sound and temperature.
Keywords
Temperature - Temperature is a measure of the heat of an object.
Heat - If you feel heat from something, you feel warmth coming from it.
Thermometer - A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature.
Degrees Celsius - Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
Data logger - A data logger is an electronic device that uses sensors to monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that thermometers are heat sources. They may also think that they must touch an object to measure its temperature.
Teaching slides explain how to use a thermometer and show that you can use them to measure ambient temperature.
Teacher tip
Follow the guidance in the first learning cycle to help pupils take accurate measurements with a thermometer. See video to demonstrate specific aspects of working scientifically linked to the content of this lesson.
Equipment
Thermometers, data loggers with temperature sensors, beakers of warm and cold water.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these instruments could you use to measure temperature?
Q2.What is temperature a measure of?
Q3.If you heat something, what happens to its temperature?
Q4.Which process turns liquid water into solid water (ice)?
Q5.Chocolate can be poured into moulds when it is in ______________.
Q6.Which of these melts at 0°C?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Temperature is a measure of how __________ something is.
Q2.A thermometer is an instrument that measures .
Q3.In the UK, what is the unit of measurement for temperature?
Q4.What is degrees Celsius often shortened to?
Q5.Which of these temperatures is the hottest temperature?
Q6.A data can be used to monitor and record changes in light, sound and temperature.
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Thermometers and data loggers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Thermometers and data loggers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.