Marjorie Fields - Ella Flagg Young

Tempting Temperatures

Marjorie Fields                        Ella Flagg Young
                                       1434 N. Parkside
                                       CHICAGO IL 60651
                                       (773) 534-6200

Objective(s):

The students (K-3) will be able to define what a thermometer is and observe 
changes in temperature using a thermometer. 

Materials Needed:

Two thermometers, two empty pop cans labelled A and B, water, measuring cup, and 
a refrigerator with a working freezer, stop watch or clock with a second hand 

Strategy:

Day 1
Fill each can half full of water
Place Can A in the refrigerator and Can B in the freezer
Make a chart 
The chart should show the temperature of both thermometers before they are 
  inserted into the cans.  Times are charted at five minute intervals (5 minutes, 
  10 minutes, 15 minutes). 

Day 2
Remove both cans from the refrigerator/freezer 
Leave both cans out for one hour
Before conducting the test get out your chart
Write on the chart the temperature of the thermometer before it is inserted into 
  the cans 
Place the thermometers in the holes at the top of the can
Record the temperatures on your chart after 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes 
  on your chart 

Performance Assessment:

Using the chart students should be able to fill in the appropriate numbers and 
symbols that represent temperature and orally explain their observations. 

Conclusions:

Using the exam below (Note:This can be administered in written form or orally), 
students should be able to obtain 80% mastery. 
 1. How many cans were used?
 2. How many thermometers were used?
 3. How much water was put in each can?
 4. Where was Can A placed?
 5. Where was Can B placed?
 6. On day 2, how long were the cans left out in the classroom?
 7. How do you write 70 degrees? (Teacher directed)
 8. Was there a difference in Can A and Can B after 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 
    15 minutes? 
 9. What were the differences? 
10. Ask students what did they learn from this activity?
   
References:

Fields Book of Science for Early Education Students '99.