Recording Temperature

Put a number on the meaning of hot and cold

Lesson idea. A teacher-led inquiry into how hot or cold things are. Discussion is helped by having a large display to show a 'bar chart' of the temperature, thanks to a data-logging device. This lesson introduces the idea of using numbers to determine how hot things are.

Teaching approach. This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning^(ta) to engage pupils in an inquiry^(ta) relating on how to record temperature and the use of sensors.

Resource details
Title	Measuring Temperature - Cold and Hot
Topic	[[Topics/Measuring|Measuring]]
Teaching approach	[[Teaching Approaches/Questioning|Questioning]],  [[Teaching Approaches/Inquiry|Inquiry]]
Learning Objectives	Understanding that temperature can be measured and given a number. Using accurate language, for example, 'I am hot' versus 'I am boiling hot'.
Format / structure	A three-page teacher's guide with questions to ask and vocabulary to use.
Subject	[[Resources/Science|Science]]
Age of students / grade	[[Resources/Primary age 7|Primary age 7]],  [[Resources/Primary|Primary]]
Additional Resources/material needed	This activity requires a temperature sensor and a large display of its readings, for the whole group to see when the temperature changes. This activity was written around temperature sensing equipment made by Data Harvest UK.
Related ORBIT Wiki Resources	complete ebook to download: IT in Primary Science which includes investigations using sensors
Files and resources to view and download	Teacher lesson guide File:Cold hot lesson sheets.doc or check the resource online Lesson