Thermometer & Temperature Lab
Click on the thermometer to set a temperature. See the reading in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, find out what that weather feels like, and record your observations in the data table.
Guided Experiment: Temperature Investigation
Before you start, predict: at what Celsius temperature does water freeze? What temperature feels warm to you?
Write your hypothesis in the Lab Report panel, then click Next.
Controls
Reference Guide
Reading a Thermometer
A thermometer measures temperature - how hot or cold something is. The red liquid inside rises when it gets warmer and falls when it gets cooler.
- Look at where the top of the red liquid lines up with the scale
- Read the nearest number on the scale
- The unit tells you if it is Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F)
- Numbers above zero are warmer; numbers below zero are colder
Celsius and Fahrenheit
There are two common scales for measuring temperature. Both describe the same temperatures, just with different numbers.
- Celsius (°C) - used in most countries and in science class
- Fahrenheit (°F) - used in the United States for weather
- Water freezes at 0 °C (32 °F)
- Water boils at 100 °C (212 °F)
- Normal body temperature is about 37 °C (98.6 °F)
Temperature Benchmarks
Knowing key temperatures helps you understand weather and science concepts. These benchmarks are useful to memorize.
- 0 °C / 32 °F - water freezes
- 20 °C / 68 °F - comfortable room temperature
- 37 °C / 98.6 °F - healthy human body temperature
- 100 °C / 212 °F - water boils (at sea level)
- -40 °C / -40 °F - the point where both scales are equal
Temperature and Weather
Temperature tells us a lot about weather conditions and what to expect outside. Scientists use thermometers every day to track and predict weather.
- Below 0 °C - snow and ice are possible
- 0 to 10 °C - cold, good for coats and scarves
- 10 to 20 °C - cool, light jacket weather
- 20 to 30 °C - warm and pleasant
- Above 30 °C - hot, drink plenty of water