Temperature is a fundamental concept that helps us understand the hotness or coldness of an object or environment. It plays a crucial role in various fields, ranging from everyday cooking in our kitchens to large-scale industries.
This teacher’s guide aims to explain temperature measurement and the three main scales commonly used for this purpose via interesting animated story, stunning posters and engaging activities.
What is temperature?
Temperature is the measure of hotness or coldness of a body. It provides information about the thermal energy present within an object or environment. We use a device called a thermometer to measure temperature accurately.
The Three Main Temperature Scales :
There are three primary temperature scales that are commonly used for temperature measurement:
a) Fahrenheit Scale (°F ) :
The Fahrenheit scale is widely used in the United States for everyday temperature measurements. It divides the temperature range between the freezing point and boiling point of water into 180 equal parts.
b) Celsius Scale (°C) :
The Celsius scale is commonly used worldwide and serves as the standard scale for most temperature measurements. It is based on dividing the temperature range between the freezing and boiling points of water into 100 equal parts.
c) Kelvin Scale (K) :
The Kelvin scale is often used in scientific and technical fields, especially when dealing with extreme temperatures or precise calculations. It is an absolute scale where zero Kelvin (0 K) represents the lowest possible temperature, known as absolute zero. Kelvin scale is taught in higher classes.
The Celsius Scale As The Standard :
In most cases, the Celsius scale is the preferred choice for temperature measurement due to its widespread usage and simplicity. It provides a practical and easily understandable reference point for everyday temperature comparisons.
Converting Between Temperature Scales :
It is possible to convert temperatures from one scale to another using conversion formulas. This allows us to express temperature values in different scales. For example, we can convert Celsius to Fahrenheit or vice versa, using specific formulas.
By using thermometers and converting between scales, we can effectively communicate temperature values and make informed decisions based on this information. Encourage students to explore temperature measurement further through hands-on activities and real-world applications.
Teaching measurement of temperature with kid-friendly, clear, and easy-to-understand posters from Uncle Math School by Fun2Do Labs :
Learning measurement of temperature can be made enjoyable by incorporating interactive games and activities.
To give more practice with measurement of weight, the following activity can be conducted :
- Distribute fluids of different temperature range like chilled juice pack, water at room temperature.
- Distribute digital thermometers to children and instruct them to record the temperature and report in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Kids will prractise recording as well conversion of units.
Help your kids practise measurement of temperature with interesting and engaging fun worksheets and solutions from Uncle Math by Fun2Do Labs.
