River
Ecology –
Pre-site Activities/Teacher Led
Grade
Level: 3
Content Area: Science
Time
to Complete: 45 minutes
Title of Lesson: How cold is cold?
South Carolina State Standards Addressed:
|
(R) 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). |
|
(R) I.A.4.a. |
Use
drawings, tables, graphs, written and oral language to
describe objects and explain ideas and actions. |
|
(R) I.A.6.a |
Use
prior knowledge and observations to identify and explain
in advance what will happen. |
|
(R) I.B.1.b |
Use
simple equipment and tools to gatherer data and extend
the senses. |
|
(T) IV.A.1.b |
Measure, record, and graph the temperature (Celsius and
Fahrenheit) of matter as it is heated and cooled. |
Lesson Description:
Students
will conduct activities to learn how to properly use a thermometer
to determine the temperature of water.
Focus Questions For Students:
| 1. |
What is temperature a measurement of? |
| 2. |
Name an instrument used to measure temperature? |
| 3. |
What are some things that affect temperature? |
Culminating Assessment:
Graph
the temperature readings.
Materials/Equipment/Resources:
Teacher Preparation:
| 1. |
Read background information and be prepared to introduce
temperature as a physical characteristic of an object
(water). |
| 2. |
Demonstrate to students the correct and safe way to use
a thermometer and other equipment. |
Background information:
Temperature is a physical property of an
object that measures the amount of energy in an object. This
energy can be measured by a thermometer and recorded in degrees
(Fahrenheit or Celsius).
Procedures:
|
1. |
Collect 3 100ml samples of water; tap, iced (cooled) and
heated. Caution! Heat water minimally (Not above 30 C) |
|
2. |
Hold the end of the thermometer (opposite the bulb). |
|
3. |
Place the thermometer in each sample for three minutes. |
|
4. |
Raise the thermometer and quickly read the temperature.
Place the thermometer back in water for 1 minute and
read. If temperature did not change, record temperature,
if the temperatures are different repeat steps 2 thru 4. |
Differentiation of Instruction:
|
1. |
Place 1 water samples in direct sunlight, 1 in shade and
1 as control. Measure temperature over time (every 5
minutes for 30 minutes) to determine effects of adding
or removing energy. |
|
2. |
Changing the depth of the water sample to determine the
affects of water depth on temperature. |
|
