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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

How to Make a Thermometer

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How to Make a Thermometer

A Kindergarten STEM lesson

Jennifer Stretton

04/10/2023

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Notes for teachers

Notes:

  • All labels need to be removed from the bottle.
  • Fill one container with cold water.
  • Fill one container with hot water.

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List of Materials

  • clear 20 oz bottle
  • 1 oz Play-Doh (any color)
  • clear plastic straw
  • 6 drops of food coloring (blue or red)
  • ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
  • funnel
  • marker
  • 2 containers/tubs

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Arizona Science Standards

K.E1U1.3 observe, record, and ask questions about temperature, precipitation, and other weather data to identify patterns or changes in local weather.

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Arizona Science Standards

K.E1U1.4 observe, describe, ask questions, and predict seasonal weather patterns; and how those patterns impact plants and animals (including humans).

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Objective(s):

Students will be able to observe and recognize that a thermometer is a device that is used to measure temperature change.

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Agenda (30 minutes)

  • Students will list what they know about thermometers.
  • Watch: Be a Weather Watcher.
  • Revisit the list. Add new learnings.
  • Create a thermometer using the steps to make a thermometer.
  • Students will identify how we use a thermometer to help us every day.

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Intro

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What do you know about a thermometer?

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Be a Weather Watcher | Weather Science | SciShow Kids | https://youtu.be/Uo8lbeVVb4M

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Step 1:

Using a funnel, pour ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of rubbing alcohol into a clear plastic bottle.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Step 2:

Add 6 drops of food coloring into the clear bottle.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Step 3:

Place the straw in the bottle. Do not let it touch the bottom of the bottle.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Step 4:

Wrap play-doh around the straw, sealing the bottle.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Step 5:

Look for the liquid level inside the straw and use a marker to draw a line on the bottle. This will be your room temperature.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Step 6:

Place the bottle in a container of hot water. Watch the water inside the straw rise. Use a marker to draw a line on the bottle.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Step 7:

Place the bottle in cold water. Watch the line more in the straw. Use a marker to draw a line on the bottle.

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Assessment

How can we use a thermometer to help us every day?

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Differentiation

  • Dictate students’ responses.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

  • Students will place their thermometers outside daily, recording results.

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