Forest Ecology
-
Pre-site Activities/Teacher
Led
Grade Level: 5
Content
Area: Science
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Title of
Lesson: Using a Thermometer
South Carolina State Standards
Addressed:
|
I.A.2.b. |
Arrange objects in
sequential order. |
|
I.A.3.a. |
Use standard (U.S.
customary and metric) to
estimate and measure
mass, length, area,
perimeter, volume, and
temperature to the
nearest whole unit
(quantitative
observations) |
|
I.A.4.a. |
Use drawings, tables,
graphs, written and oral
language to describe
objects and explain
ideas and actions. |
|
I.A.5.a. |
Explain or interpret an
observation based in
data and prior
knowledge. |
|
I.A.6.a. |
Use prior knowledge and
observations to identify
and explain in advance
what will happen. |
|
I.A.7.a. |
Devise a statement of
assumption, based on
observations,
experiences, and
research, that can be
supported or refuted
through experimentation. |
|
I.B.1.c. |
Use appropriate tools
and techniques to
gather, analyze, and
interpret data. |
Lesson Description:
Students will conduct activities to learn how to properly use a thermometer
to determine the temperature of water, and conduct an experiment to
determine how light affects water temperature.
Focus Questions:
| 1. |
What is temperature? |
| 2. |
What kind of instrument is usually
used to measure temperature? |
| 3. |
What are some factors that affect
temperature? |
| 4. |
Why would temperature be an
important consideration when studying water quality? |
Culminating Assessment:
|
1. |
Students will be able to graph their temperature readings, time versus
temperature. |
|
2. |
Students will be able to say that temperature is a measurement of the amount
of energy in an object. |
Materials/Equipment:
| Alcohol-filled thermometers (1 per
group) |
50ml (1 per group) |
| 250ml beakers (3 per groups |
Timers |
Teacher Preparation:
| 1. |
Read background information. |
| 2. |
Be prepared to introduce
temperature as a measurement of energy. |
Background Information:
Temperature is a physical property of an object that measures the amount of
energy in an object. Temperature is read in degrees (Fahrenheit or
Celsius). Temperature is an important abiotic (nonliving) factor in the
diversity of life in a place. For example, there are many more plants and
animals in this part of the world than in the cold Arctic. Organisms have
ranges of temperature within which they can survive. The location of a
place in terms of distance from the equator, how high up, or other climatic
factors can determine temperature. Changes in water or air temperature
beyond an animal’s range will cause it to die. Heating of water can change
the oxygen level of lakes and streams, and affect the organisms that live
there. Pollution might raise temperature as it silts up the water, or
reacts chemically. Removal of trees and other plants that create shade or
insulation can affect temperature.
The
correct and safe way to use a thermometer:
| 1. |
Hold the end
of the thermometer opposite the bulb. |
| 2. |
Looking at
the thermometer, notice marked numbers going up in specific
increments, marked with a bold line. |
| 3. |
The distance
between each number is consistently marked with the same number of
small lines. Each line represents a specific degree. |
| 4. |
An
indicator line (usually red) will indicate the temperature. |
| 5. |
Always put
thermometer bulb end down into the substance being tested. |
Note:
Alcohol-filled thermometers are safer than mercury-filled thermometers, and
do not need to be shaken to the lowest temperature before use.
Note:
The thermometers are intended to be kept in their blue plastic case at all
times. If the thermometer has turned within the case, making reading it
difficult, loosen the top and turn the thermometer back in place.
Procedures:
|
1. |
Discuss
temperature as a measurement of the amount of energy in an object.
|
|
2. |
Demonstrate the
correct and safe use of a thermometer. |
|
3. |
Divide students
into groups of four or five. There are enough thermometers for six
groups with each group using one thermometer, one timer, and three
250 ml beakers. The 50 ml cylinders can be used in an additional
activity (see Differentiation of Instruction). |
|
4. |
Collect three 100
ml samples of water from the coldwater tap. |
|
5. |
Holding the end of
the thermometer (opposite the bulb), place the thermometer in each
sample for three minutes. Let the bulb rest on the bottom. |
|
6. |
Raise the
thermometer and quickly read the temperature. Place the thermometer
back in water for one minute, then read again. If the temperature
does not change, record temperature. If the temperatures are
different, repeat steps 5 and 6. |
|
7. |
Place one
coldwater sample in a dark area of the room. After ten minutes,
read the temperature as described in step 6. |
|
8. |
Place one
coldwater sample in direct sunlight. After ten minutes, read the
temperature as described in step 6. |
|
9. |
Leave one
coldwater sample in an area with normal room lighting to act as a
control. After ten minutes, read the temperature as described in
step 6. |
|
10. |
Compare the
initial temperature of the water samples to that of the samples
after the ten minute period. |
|
11. |
Infer as to what
may be responsible for any temperature differences. |
|
12. |
With the
students, come up with a statement of assumption that can be
supported or refuted through experimentation. For example: “The
temperature of water will increase faster if food coloring is added
to made the water darker, because darker colors absorb heat better.” |
|
13. |
Discuss the role of
temperature in determining what plants and animals can live in a
place, since different organisms have different tolerances for
temperature ranges.
Discuss factors
that determine or change temperature, and the importance of knowing
the temperature of the water, air, or soil when assessing water or
soil quality. |
Differentiation of Instruction:
|
1. |
Change the color of
the water sample to determine if color affects temperature. |
|
2. |
Change the
volume of the water sample (using the 50 ml cylinders) to determine
the affects of water volume on temperature. |
|
