Thermometer Lesson Plan

Grade: 2nd

Topic: How to read a thermometer

Objectives:

·  The learner will explain why we use a thermometer.

·  The learner will predict the outcome of the temperature when ice is added to the warm water.

·  The learner will correctly read the thermometer in the cold water to the nearest 10 degree mark.

·  The learner will correctly identify the temperatures as warm or cold.

2.1 Scientific processes. The student conducts classroom and field investigations following home and school safety procedures. The student is expected to: (A) demonstrate safe procedures during classroom and field investigations.

2.7 Scientific concepts. The student knows that many types of change occur. The student is expected to: (D) observe, measure, and record temperature.

2.10 Measurement. The student uses standard tools to temperature. The student is expected to: (A) read a thermometer to gather data.

Focus:

The teacher will wear scarves and gloves and discuss why it is important to know how to read a thermometer in order to know the temperature and what to wear.

Science Purpose Setting Questions:

Question the students about watching weather reports on TV or hearing

about record high temperatures this summer.

Question the students about thermometers in their homes (stove, thermostat) or if they have used one to take their temperature.

Materials:

·  Scarf

·  Gloves

·  Small thermometers

·  Plastic beakers

·  Ice

·  Hot pot

·  Paper towels

·  Small paper thermometers with strings

·  Data recording page

Activities:

Instructional Input:

Teacher will state the topic of the lesson and discuss safety issues (call an adult if a thermometer breaks, don’t try to clean up broken glass)

Teacher will define and then ask questions to check for understanding of

Terms (holding a thermometer and asking “what do we call this?” and

“what is this used for?” Teacher will check for understanding of numbers

on the thermometer by having student read numbers out loud.

Guided Practice:

Teacher will demonstrate reading the temperature of the tap water and allow students to fill in the page. Question the students to think about what will happen when some hot water is added. Add hot water and read the temperature of the warm water and allow students to fill in the page. Question students to think about what will happen when some ice is added to the water.

Independent Practice:

Using the thermometer, the student will read the temperature of the cold water to the nearest 10 degree mark and fill in the page. (clear all materials)

Evaluation:

The teacher uses a plastic thermometer and red string to show how the thermometer looked with tap water, warm water, and cold water. Ask students to move the string to show 80˚F and ask if that is a hot or cold temperature. Ask student to move the string to show 20˚F and ask if that is a hot or cold temperature.

Closure:

Read the temperature in the classroom or outside everyday.

1.  Go to http://www.fossweb.com

2.  Click on GRADES K-2

3.  Click on AIR AND WEATHER

4.  Click on WHAT”S THE WEATHER?

5.  Click on LET”S DRESS THE BEAR

What’s the temperature?

Type of Water / Temperature
Tap water
Hot water
Cold water

Write your observations:

______

______

______

______

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