Measuring Temperatures

Measuring Temperatures

What we did/What happened?

We have been working on measurement this term and I decided to get my level 2/3 students to measure temperatures. First we discussed what a thermometer was which was surprising to see how many kids did not know what it was or how we would use it, withe the main challenge being whether we measure using celcius or fahrenheit. 

We then boiled water and separated 40ml of water into a plastic container and a metal container. We made predictions about what they think might happen which was obvious that it would cool down. But they wondered how much it would cool down. We measured the temperature every 2 mins to see how much it dropped and then saw the difference between the plastic and metal container.

We discovered the metal container held the heat in a lot more than the plastic one and discussed why this might have happened referring to the different insulation.

What went well?

One thing that was great about this was the way the groups were so excited and interested about what they were doing. They were asking questions and making predictions about what might happen which made it so easy to teach and conduct. 

We drew up tables to record the temp drop every 2 minutes which was a great way to see the changes and different temperatures between metal and plastic, but also a great way to be able to draw conclusions in the end.

What did not go well?

Being prepared with more information about insulation and what is actually happening would have been great as this was a consistent question from the groups.
Also what was interesting was sometimes the water temp wouldn't change but we did not necessarily  know why this was happening, so next time I would record the different variables and find out what was changing and why. Overall, it was a great way to practise measuring temperatures however, next time it maybe a good idea to do some background knowledge first instead of assuming they already know.