Temperature
Recommended for grades 6–12.
Introduction
The temperature of a body of water influences its overall quality. Water temperatures outside the “normal” range for a stream or river can cause harm to the aquatic organisms that live there. It is for this reason that the change in the temperature of the water over a section of a stream is measured, not just the temperature at one location. If the water temperature changes by even a few degrees over a one-mile stretch of the stream, it could indicate a source of thermal pollution.
Objectives
- Use a Vernier Temperature Probe to measure the temperature of the water at one site and at a second site upstream.
- Determine the temperature change of the water.
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 Water Quality with Vernier »
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.