Lesson Plan: Making Thermometer

Grade/Subject: Grade Two Science Unit: Temperature Lesson Duration: 50 min

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Overview of lesson: Students who have already learned about thermometer and temperature will
use this as an end of unit fun project. Each child will have the chance to build their very own
thermometer and manipulate the thermometer using different environments. Students will use this
to solidify their use of hotter than/colder than and how temperature manipulates liquid in a
thermometer. This activity is best completed with multiple adults in the room to help with creation
and supervision.

General Learning Outcomes:

Topic D: 2-9 Recognize the effects of heating and cooling, and identify methods for heating
and cooling.
2- 4: demonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in
responsible ways.
2-1 Investigate, with guidance, the nature of things, demonstrating an understanding of the
procedures followed.
2-2 Recognize pattern and order in objects and events studied; and, with guidance, record
procedures and observations, using pictures and words; and make predictions and
generalizations, based on observations.

Specific Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe temperature in relative terms, using expressions, such as hotter than, colder
than.

Explore and Investigate

manipulate materials and make observations that are relevant to questions asked
carry out simple procedures identified by others
identify materials used and how they were used
Reflect and Interpret
describe what was observed, using captioned pictures and oral language
describe and explain results; explanations may reflect an early stage of concept
development
identify applications of what was learned

Students will show growth in acquiring and applying the following traits:
curiosity
confidence in personal ability to explore materials and learn by direct study
inventiveness
perseverance: staying with an investigation over a sustained period of time
appreciation of the value of experience and careful observation
a willingness to work with others and to consider their ideas
a sense of responsibility for actions taken

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
1. describe temperature verbally in relative terms, using expressions, such as hotter than, colder
than.
2. understand the components of a thermometer and how they indicate overall temperature
ASSESSMENTS
Formative:
1
 Discussion participation
Review activities
Observations
Drawings

Summative:
N/A

LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED

Resource #1: http://inspirationlaboratories.com/20-temperature-experiments-and-activities/
Resource #2: https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/how-to-make-a-thermometer-
science-project/
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
large straw (preferably clear)
warm water
clear pop/water plastic bottles
plasticine
scissors
red food colouring
large classroom cardboard thermostat
PROCEDURE
Introduction (5 min.):
1. Review of what measures temperature- thermometer
a. Using large thermostat go over how the alcohol moves depending on temperature
b. Review of terms: hotter than and colder than
2. Ask if they would like to build their own thermometers.

Body (40 min.):

3. Create Thermometers (grade 5 students will be here to help and will already know the task at
hand)
a. Explain instructions to students before beginning include behaviour expectations work at
your desk, inside voices, ask your grade five partner for help if you need it)
b. Continue step by step directions as we complete the
i. Fill the pop/water bottles with water and red food colouring
ii. Place a straw into the pop/water bottle
iii. Seal the top of the bottle with plasticine, ensuring that the clay is secured around
the straw so that there are no air leaks
2. Thermometer Test
a. Have students 3-4 at a time go outside and test their thermometer (Mrs. Robbins will be
in class supervising and has a sheet they need to complete during their waiting time)
b. Make a point to ask students what they see happening. Why they think this is happening?
3. Observation Sheet
a. Once all students have had a chance to test their thermometers they will use paper to
draw what happens to their thermostat when it was inside (room temperature) vs outside
(cold)
b. Give instructions to students about their drawings (must be neat and labelled: bulb,
alcohol, stem) ensure that a comment is made as to why we do not have to label the scale
c. Make sure to explain the word observations

Closure (5 min.):
4. Clean up and back to desks
2
 5. Group Discussion
a. Did your thermometer work like a glass one with a scale?

Student Reflection
How did the lesson go? What was successful? What needs to change or be enhanced. Did students
achieve learning objectives?

3
 Thermometer Observations
Name:________________________

In the boxes below draw what your thermometer looked like first inside then outside.
Make sure you show the alcohol level and label the parts of your thermometer: stem,
bulb, and alcohol.

Inside Drawing Outside Drawing

Fill in the blank using the words below the line.

____________________________ was colder than ____________________________ so

Inside/Outside inside/outside

when I went outside the alcohol went _________________________.

down/up