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Year 7

Measuring temperature

I can safely and accurately measure the temperature of different objects using a thermometer.

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New
New
Year 7

Measuring temperature

I can safely and accurately measure the temperature of different objects using a thermometer.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Thermometers measure temperature in degrees Celsius (ºC).
  2. Glass thermometers are fragile and need to be handled with care.
  3. To accurately read the scale on a glass thermometer, your eye needs to be level with the top of the coloured liquid.
  4. Pure ice melts at 0ºC and pure water boils at 100ºC.
  5. If left for long enough, all objects in a room will reach the same 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.

Keywords

  • Temperature - a measure of how hot or cold an object is

  • Degrees Celsius - a unit of temperature

  • Thermometer - a device that measures temperature

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Glass thermometer, retort stand.

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).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What should you use to measure the temperature of a hot cup of tea?
a barometer
a finger
a temperaturemeter
Correct answer: a thermometer
Q2.
Which of the following is a unit of temperature?
Celsius
Celsius degrees
Correct answer: degrees Celsius
degrees
Q3.
Which of the following is the symbol used to represent degrees Celsius?
C
d
dC
°
Correct answer: °C
Q4.
Which of the following indicates to a doctor or a nurse that you have a fever?
If you have no temperature.
If your temperature is lower than normal.
If your temperature is normal.
Correct answer: If your temperature is higher than normal.
Q5.
What happens to your temperature when you do a lot of vigorous exercise?
it decreases
it stays the same
Correct answer: it increases
Q6.
What changes from its solid state to its liquid state as the temperature rises above zero degrees Celcius?
all cold substances
ice
steam
Correct answer: water

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is the correct way to write degrees Celsius in symbols?
Correct answer: °C
ₒC
C°
Cₒ
Q2.
Which part of a thermometer is sensitive to the temperature of something?
Correct answer: bulb
glass tube
scale
0°C
Q3.
Why should you put a thermometer in a tray when it is not in use?
To allow it to cool down between measurements.
Correct answer: So that it can’t roll onto the floor and smash.
So that it is easy to find when you need it.
Q4.
Why should you wear safety goggles when measuring the temperature of water whilst heating it using a Bunsen burner?
Correct answer: To prevent steam burning your eyes.
In case the thermometer you are using smashes.
To prevent hot water from splashing into your eyes.
Q5.
Match the following objects to its temperature.
Correct Answer:pure ice melting,0°C

0°C

Correct Answer:average surface temperature of Earth,15°C

15°C

Correct Answer:average human body temperature,37°C

37°C

Correct Answer:a hot cup of tea,70°C

70°C

Correct Answer:pure water boiling,100°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?
15°C
Correct answer: 22°C
29°C
37°C