New
New
Year 4

Thermometers and data loggers

I can measure and record temperature in different ways.

New
New
Year 4

Thermometers and data loggers

I can measure and record temperature in different ways.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Temperature is a measure of how hot something is.
  2. A thermometer is an instrument that measures temperature.
  3. In the UK, degrees Celsius is the unit of measurement for temperature, which is often shortened to °C.
  4. Data loggers can be used to monitor and record changes in light, sound and temperature.

Keywords

  • Temperature - Temperature is a measure of how hot something is.

  • Heat - If you feel heat from something, you feel warmth coming from it.

  • Thermometer - A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature.

  • Degrees Celsius - Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

  • Data logger - A data logger is an electronic device which uses sensors to monitor and record changes in the environment over time.

Common misconception

Children may think that thermometers are heat sources. They may also think that they must touch an object to measure a temperature.

Teaching slides explain how to use a thermometer and show that you can use them to measure ambient temperature.

Follow the guidance in the first learning cycle to help children take accurate measurements with a thermometer.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Thermometers, data loggers with temperature sensors, beakers of warm and cold water.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these instruments could you use to measure temperature?
tape measure
hand lens
Correct answer: thermometer
scales
Q2.
What is temperature a measure of?
An image in a quiz
how bright something is
Correct answer: how hot something is
how loud something is
Q3.
If you heat something, what happens to its temperature?
An image in a quiz
nothing
it decreases
Correct answer: it increases
Q4.
Which process turns liquid water into solid water (ice)?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: freezing
melting
warming
defrosting
Q5.
Chocolate can be poured into moulds when it is in ______________.
solid state
Correct answer: liquid state
gas state
Q6.
Which of these melts at 0°C?
metal
Correct answer: water
plastic

6 Questions

Q1.
Temperature is a measure of how __________ something is.
hard
soft
Correct answer: hot
rigid
Q2.
A thermometer is an instrument that measures .
Correct Answer: temperature
Q3.
In the UK, what is the unit of measurement for temperature?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: degrees Celsius
degrees
Celsius
Q4.
What is degrees Celsius often shortened to?
deg Cel
‘C
¯C
Correct answer: °C
Q5.
Which of these temperatures is the hottest temperature?
An image in a quiz
0°C
Correct answer: 100°C
25°C
45°C
Q6.
A data can be used to monitor and record changes in light, sound and temperature.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: logger, data logger

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