Measuring temperature
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can safely and accurately measure the temperature of different objects using a thermometer.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
Glass thermometer, retort stand.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
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?
Q2.Which of the following is a unit of temperature?
Q3.Which of the following is the symbol used to represent degrees Celsius?
Q4.Which of the following indicates to a doctor or a nurse that you have a fever?
Q5.What happens to your temperature when you do a lot of vigorous exercise?
Q6.What changes from its solid state to its liquid state as the temperature rises above zero degrees Celcius?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the correct way to write degrees Celsius in symbols?
Q2.Which part of a thermometer is sensitive to the temperature of something?
Q3.Why should you put a thermometer in a tray when it is not in use?
Q4.Why should you wear safety goggles when measuring the temperature of water whilst heating it using a Bunsen burner?
Q5.Match the following objects to its temperature.
0°C
15°C
37°C
70°C
100°C
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?
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Measuring temperature, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Measuring temperature, 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 3 science lessons from the Heating and cooling unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.