Measure Temperature Using a Thermometer

 In this activity, we will be reading temperatures. 

 

We measure the temperature on a thermometer. 

The temperature measures how warm or cold something is!

 

 

We measure temperature in degrees Celsius and we write °C to show this. 

 

 

 

On a cold day, the temperature might be 5°C (this reads five degrees Celsius.)

 

  

 

On a warm day, the temperature might be 20°C  (this reads 20 degrees Celsius.) 

 

Here are some thermometers - this is what we use to measure the temperature. 

 

 

 

We read the scale on the °C side. The °F side is how they measure temperature in other countries. 

 

Let's have a look at how to read a thermometer. 

 

Example

What temperature does this thermometer read?

 

  

 

The first thing we need to do is work out the scale.

We have been given a 0, 5 and 10, so let's try counting up in ones for each mark and see if that works. 

Yes, it does!

 

Now, we need to go to the top of the red line and read along to the scale like this:

 

  

 

The thermometer reads 6°C

 

Let's have a go at some questions!