Why Do We Need Thermometers?
Recommended for grades K–5.
Introduction
Have you ever been really cold in your classroom while everyone else was hot? Do you sometimes feel really warm outside, even though you are told that you need to wear a coat because it’s cold? The temperature your body senses does not always match the temperature that would be recorded by a thermometer. It is possible that on the day you felt warm outside, even though it was cold, you had been running around and were already warm. When you do this activity, you will see if previous conditions affect the ability of your hands to measure temperature.
Objectives
In this activity, you will
- Determine if touch is adequate to determine temperature.
- Explain the need for a thermometer.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Let's Go! Investigating Temperature »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.