Sources and Forms of Energy · B6 Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B6.4.1.2.1 - Measure the temperature of a body using a thermometer

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Explain that temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness of a body, and that it is measured with a thermometer.
Identify different types of thermometers (clinical, laboratory) and state where and when each is used.
Construct an improvised thermometer using a plastic bottle, plastic straw, dye and water, and explain how it works.
Measure the temperature of their own bodies and of warm water using a thermometer, reading the scale correctly.
State at least three precautions to observe when handling clinical and laboratory thermometers.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Forces and Energy (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: Sources and Forms of Energy (4.1)
Content standard: B6.4.1.2 - Show understanding of the concept of heat energy in terms of its importance, effects, sources and transfer from one medium to another
Indicator: B6.4.1.2.1 - Measure the temperature of a body using a thermometer
Suggested placement: Term 2, Week 8 (Week 20 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Science Curriculum (Basic 4-6), 2019, p. 40
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Assist learners to reflect on their previous knowledge on heat and temperature (temperature refers to the degree of hotness of a body).
- Provide clinical and laboratory thermometers or show pictures of different types of thermometers.
- Learners identify the equipment and where and when it is used.
- Guide learners, in groups, to produce their own improvised thermometers using plastic bottles, plastic straws, dyes and water.
- Some learners share experiences of how their body temperatures were measured on a visit to a health centre.
- Learners demonstrate the use of thermometers to measure temperature of their bodies and that of warm water
NB: Let learners be aware of the precautions in using the clinical and laboratory thermometers.