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Temperature

Temperature

TEKS Objective

The student is expected to measure, compare, and contrast physical properties of matter, including size, mass, volume, states (solid, liquid, gas) temperature, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float.


Essential Understanding

The student knows that matter has physical properties and those properties determine how matter is classified, changed and used.

Science Background

About Temperature: Project Skymath (website) - Explanations about temperature, thermometers, thermal radiation, etc.

About Temperature
Project Skymath, www.eo.ucar.edu

How Do We Measure Temperature: Cool Cosmos, Caltech (website) - Background information on temperature measurement and measurement scales.

How Do We Measure Temperature
Cool Cosmos, Caltech, www.coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu

Signature Lesson

Measuring and Comparing Temperatures: Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project (website) - Students learn to use a thermometer by comparing the temperatures of various materials and locations.

Measuring and Comparing Temperatures
by Kathy Ahrndt, Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project, www.serc.carleton.edu

Supporting Lessons

Measuring Temperature: Arctic Climate Modeling.org (PDF) - Students build an air pressure thermometer and use it to measure temperature.

Measuring Temperature
Arctic Climate Modeling Program, Geophysical Institute, www.arcticclimatemodeling.org

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

M&M’s in Different Temperatures: American Chemistry Society(website) - Students observe how different water temperatures affect the rate at which submerged M&Ms melt.

M&M’s in Different Temperatures
American Chemistry Society, www.inquiryinaction.org

Assessment Ideas

In their notebooks, have students draw a thermometer with a scale from -20 to 120° C. After they have drawn the thermometer, have them use lines to indicate where the fluid line would be for the following temperatures: -5° C, 10° C and 100° C. Ask students to describe why 100° C is an important measure [temperature at which pure water will boil]. 

Literature Connections

 Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change. Bradman, T. (ISBN-13: 978-1845079307)

National Geographic Investigates Extreme Weather. Simpson, K. (ISBN-13: 978-1426303593)

All About Temperature. Auch, Alison (ISBN: 978-1429666084)

The Magic School Bus Gets Cold Feet. West, Tracy (ISBN: 978-0590397247)

Investigating Matter. Walker, Sally (ISBN: 978-0761378754)

Related Science TEKS

(4.4A) Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Information
The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, mirrors, spring scales, pan balances, triple beam balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

(4.5B) Changes in Matter
The student is expected to predict the changes caused by heating and cooling such as ice becoming liquid water and condensation forming on the outside of a glass of ice water.

(4.8B) Water Cycle
The student is expected to  describe and illustrate the continuous movement of water above and on the surface of Earth through the water cycle and explain the role of the Sun as a major source of energy in this process.

Related Math TEKS

4.12A  The student is expected to use a thermometer to measure temperature and changes in temperature.

4.14D  The student is expected to use tools such as real objects, manipulatives, and technology to solve problems.

4.16B   The student is expected to justify why an answer is reasonable and explain the solution process.

Additional Resources

What's the Weather: FOSSWEB (website) - Cold, hot, warm, cool: what does the temperature mean to you? This interactive animation asks students to help the bear decide what to wear, based on the weather.

What's the Weather
FOSSWEB, http://fossweb.com

Thermometer Quiz: Softschools.com (website) - Use this interactive game to test and increase students’ knowledge and skills for reading a thermometer.

Thermometer Quiz
Softschools, http://www.softschools.com

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