Measuring Temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit

This guide is for Year 7 students who want to learn how to measure temperature. You'll use thermometers that show temperatures in Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). Knowing how these temperature scales work is important for science and daily life.

What You Will Need

1. Thermometers: One for Celsius and one for Fahrenheit.
2. Containers: Small cups or jars to hold liquids.
3. Ice: Crushed ice or ice cubes.
4. Water: Just regular tap water at room temperature.
5. Boiling Water: For measuring high temperatures.
6. Room Temperature Area: A place that isn't too hot or too cold.

Steps for the Experiment

1. Ice Water Mixture:

   • Take a container and fill it halfway with crushed ice.
   • Then, fill the other half with water.
   • Put both thermometers in the ice-water mix.
   • Wait a few minutes until the temperatures settle.
   • Write down the temperatures:
     • Celsius: About 0 °C
     • Fahrenheit: About 32 °F

2. Room Temperature Measurement:

   • Take the thermometers out of the ice-water mix and dry them off.
   • Let them sit at room temperature (which is usually around 20 °C).
   • Write down the temperatures again. You can change Celsius to Fahrenheit using this formula: $F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32$
   • For 20 °C: $F = \frac{9}{5}(20) + 32 = 68 °F$

3. Boiling Water Experiment:

   • Heat water until it starts to boil (which is 100 °C at sea level).
   • Carefully put the thermometers into the boiling water.
   • Record the temperatures:
     • Celsius: 100 °C
     • Fahrenheit: Use this formula to find it: $F = \frac{9}{5}(100) + 32 = 212 °F$

Looking at the Results

• Compare the temperatures you've recorded from both scales for each test.
• Talk about what you see: The freezing point is 0 °C or 32 °F, and the boiling point is 100 °C or 212 °F.
• Remember that Celsius and Fahrenheit are connected, and you can see how they relate with the conversion formula.

Conclusion

By doing these experiments, you will learn how to measure temperature and notice the differences between Celsius and Fahrenheit. This hands-on activity helps you explore science and understand heat in fun and clear ways!