Measuring temperature - freezing point
Description
A presenter based at the British Antarctic Survey named Liz explains that room temperature is typically 20掳C whereas their cold room, where ice core samples are stored, is maintained at -26掳C. The freezing points of water (0掳C), shampoo (-3掳C), olive oil (-12掳C) and sunflower oil (-17掳C) are then measured by Liz. Frozen food is usually kept at -18掳C and Liz explains that a frozen chicken must be defrosted to room temperature before being cooked. This represents a rise in temperature of 38掳C (-18掳C to 20掳C).
Classroom Ideas
This clip can be used to familiarise pupils with the figures and units used in recording temperature. Pupils can begin by listing those things which they or other people might want to know the temperature of. They can then watch the clip, before completing a task where they estimate the temperatures of those items on their list. Subsequently, pupils can use a thermometer to record the temperatures within school. This can then lead to a discussion about the temperatures and a return to the list where pupils can alter their estimates if they now think differently, as a consequence of the real temperatures they have found.
Number and number processes
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