Teaching Tips

• This lesson should be completed on a sunny day.
• Discussion questions can engage the class at the end of the lesson.

About the Content

• Students use basic thermometers to measure air temperatures under different conditions, draw conclusions about why air temperatures differ in these conditions, and apply what they've learned to strategies for staying cool during extreme heat events.
• Educators can make the connection between extreme heat and climate change, as extreme heat events will increase as a result of climate change.
• Comments from expert scientist: The provided background information explains the concepts simply, and it is made simple enough to help young kids understand. Well labeled sheets clearly labeling what the experiment is. Teachers may want to add an extra question asking if the hypothesis was confirmed or not. Be aware the 2 minute downtime for the thermometer may cause little minds to lose focus.

About the Pedagogy

• Students learn to use scientific instruments (thermometers) and to record data, explore temperatures in different locations and scenarios, and use scientific data to develop strategies for staying cool in extreme heat.
• This is an introduction activity for younger students to start thinking about the impacts of temperature and how different materials impact the temperature.
• This is a quick activity that works on data collection and organization.

• This resource engages students in using scientific data.
  See other data-rich activities

Technical Details/Ease of Use

• Earth At Home lesson plans have a great, easy lay out that explain the activities simply and quickly.
• The background material is helpful to explain scientific questions that the students may have.