Thermometers are a common instrument used for measuring temperature, but they can also be versatile tools for fun learning activities. In this article, we’ll explore 19 thermometer activities that are perfect for kids. These activities range from inventive crafts and math activities to language-based activities and science experiments with practical applications in daily life, such as cooking and gardening. Whether you’re looking to teach your child about temperature, or simply want to explore the many uses of a thermometer, these activities are sure to provide you with a fun and engaging experience!
1. Find the Correct Temperature
This printable worksheet is a fun and practical activity for kids to improve their measurement and counting skills while learning about temperature. It includes temperature readings up to 10 degrees, which children can mark on the worksheet using a thermometer, and helps them develop skills they can use in daily life.
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2. Try Making a Homemade Liquid-Filled Thermometer
To make a thermometer, fill half a clean water bottle with water and the remaining half with rubbing alcohol. Attach a clear straw to the bottle, leaving an inch of space from the bottom before heating the bottle to watch the liquid rise up the straw. Finally, record the movement of the straw on a manila folder or a strip of paper to predict the weather.
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3. Printable Thermometer Image
This large thermometer poster makes a wonderful addition to any morning calendar routine. First, get an outdoor thermometer and assign someone to be in charge each day. They’ll go outside and read the temperature, then come back and fill in the thermometer and the written temperature in the boxes at the bottom of this weather chart.
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4. Weather Thermometer Song
This thermometer song is a fun and catchy tune that teaches kids about temperature! Kids are sure to enjoy singing along while learning how a thermometer works, learn about hot and cold temperatures, and how we use it to measure temperature.
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5. Watch a Video To Learn About Accurate Thermometer Reading
This animated and entertaining BrainPOP Jr. video is focused on teaching the concept of temperature and how it is measured. It offers a short animated video, quizzes, games, and vocabulary flashcards to help reinforce the subject.
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6. Emotional State Thermometer Check-In for All Age Levels
This worksheet contains colorfully illustrated faces representing different emotions and rating scales that allow children to indicate the intensity of each emotion they are feeling. It can be used regularly in therapy sessions or as a check-in routine to improve emotional literacy.
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7. Capacity and Temperature Unit Video
This engaging animated video introduces various types of thermometers and how they measure temperature. It shows how thermometers are used in different settings, such as in the kitchen, outdoors, and in the medical field, and how to use them for accurate measurements.
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8. Anger Thermometer Activity
This thermometer activity can help students understand the intensity of their problems on a scale of 1 to 5. It’s a terrific resource for teaching emotional regulation and problem-solving skills, especially to children.
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9. Match Identical Thermometer and Temperature Cards
These engaging and interactive matching cards consist of different temperature readings and corresponding thermometer images. They are a fun, hands-on way to develop an understanding of weather and earth sciences.
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10. Try a Whodunit Science Activity with Blank Thermometers
What better than a fun detective mystery for studying temperature and thermal energy using thermometers? Students work in teams to answer 10 questions and receive a clue after each answer. The goal is to determine the “criminal,” the scene of the crime, and the method, similar to the board game Clue.
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11. Measuring Weather With Alternate Materials
In this activity, kids will learn about different tools used to measure and observe weather conditions including a weather vane, wind sock, anemometer rain gauge, and thermometer and explore how each tool works and what it tells us about the weather. This is a great way to contrast the similarities and differences between thermometers and other weather measurement tools.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
12. Liquid Thermometer Art Activity
This paper thermometer craft is a simple and fun DIY project that teaches kids about temperature measurement. Using basic materials like paper, a straw, and markers, kids can create their own classroom thermometer card that can be used to track temperature changes.
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13. Study Temperature Ranges
By counting forward or backward on the thermometer, children can practice adding and subtracting degrees and using number lines to visualize solutions. This is a great way to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills while working towards a practical application.
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14. Study Human Body Temperature
This hands-on science experiment compares the insulating properties of wool and cotton socks. The first step is to fill two bottles with hot water, dry them, seal them with plastic wrap and cover one with a wool sock and leave the other bare. Next, record temperatures in 30 minutes and repeat with wet and dry cotton socks before analyzing the data to determine which sock retained the most heat.
Learn More: Education.com
15. Read a Book About Using Thermometers
This educational book introduces children to the concept of temperature and how to use thermometers to measure it. The book covers various types of thermometers, how they work, and how to use them. It also includes fun activities and experiments to help children understand the topic better.
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16. Convert the Degree in Temperature Between Fahrenheit and Celsius
This printable set includes pictures of Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers ranging from 0 to 100°, blank thermometers, a conversion formula sheet, and a worksheet for writing the conversion answers. It’s a great way to learn about the history between the two units and the parts of the world where they are used.
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17. Convert Temperature With an Online Game
This interactive thermometer allows students to drag a slider or use up and down keys to control the temperature on a digital thermometer. It provides a fun and interactive way to learn about temperature measurement and can be used to practice temperature conversions.
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18. Fun Thermometer Experiment
This fun thermometer science experiment demonstrates temperature changes in nature. You need a portable thermometer, two bowls, ice, hot water, and an instant pack of grits or oatmeal. Put the thermometer in ice, then in the hot water with grits or oatmeal, and observe temperature changes.
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19. Use a Thermometer Poster for Goal Setting
These posters feature a thermometer image that fills up as progress is made, providing a compelling visual representation of success. They can be used as an incentive to motivate and encourage positive behavior or work towards class goals.
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