This lesson plan is for a 2nd grade science class on using thermometers to measure temperature. Students will conduct an experiment using thermometers to measure the temperature of soil, water, and air in sunlight and shade. They will record their results and compare temperatures. The lesson aims to teach students how temperature varies based on environment and how it affects daily life. Assessment will include students' participation, drawings in their science journals, and completing an observation checklist.

1. Lena Zammataro
UNIT PLAN: THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS…
LESSON PLAN: USING MEASUREMENT TOOLS
(2)
CURRICULUM DIMESNSIONS:
GRADE LEVEL:
· 2nd grade
TIME FRAME:
· Approximately 40-50 minutes
CONTENT:
· Using a Thermometer
PRODUCT:
· Science Journal page
· Data table
· Drawings
PROCESS:
· Ask the question, “Do you think it would be a great day to go swimming?”
· Thermometer experiment
· Ranking temperatures from warmest to coldest
RESEARCH:
· Old Devil Wind by Bill Martin Jr. and Barry Root
· The Girl Who Loved the Wind by Jane Yolen and Ed Young

2. NEW JERSEY CORE CURRCICULUM CONTENT STANDARDS:
STANDARD 3.2 (WRITING)
(A) 1. Generate ideas for writing: hearing stories, recalling experiences, brainstorming, and
drawing.
(C ) 1. Use correct end point punctuation.
2. Apply basic rules of capitalization.
6. Write legibly to meet district standards.
STANDARD 3.3 (SPEAKING)
(A) 2. Begin to stay focused on a topic of discussion.
3. Offer personal opinions related to topics of discussion.
4. Wait their turn to speak.
STANDARD 5.8 (EARTH SCIENCE)
(A) 3. Describe current weather conditions and recognize how those conditions affect our daily
lives.
(B) 4. Describe daily and seasonal changes and patterns in the weather.
STANDARD 9.2 (CONSUMER, FAMILY, & LIFE SKILLS)
(C) 5. Work cooperatively with others to accomplish a task.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE(S):
· The students will be able to list the temperatures on the thermometer
· The students will be able to infer what the temperature might be based on the surroundings
· The students will be able to collect data for their experiment
· The students will be able to compare their results

3. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITES
THE TEACHER WILL:
MOTIVATE BY…
· Telling a story about the weather outside over the weekend:
- “I woke up on Saturday morning and felt like doing something exciting! I ate
my breakfast and thought about what I could do. I started to get frustrated
as I couldn’t come up with anything. Just as I was about to lose hope... BAM!
I had the perfect idea! What a perfect day for swimming! I looked at the
thermometer outside and it said 42 degrees…”
- “Do you think it would be a great day to go swimming?”
INTRODUCE/REVIEW/EXTEND CONTENT BY…
· The teacher will have the students discuss what they have learned about temperature in
the previous lesson. The teacher will then ask the students to complete the science
journal page in which they must identify the temperature on the thermometer and draw
a picture beside it with the appropriate attire.
INTRODUCE/REVIEW/EXTEND PROCESS BY…
· The teacher will explain to the students that temperature can vary depending on the
environment. The students will then be given the materials and instructions necessary
for the thermometer experiment. The students will be spread out amongst the
classroom and broken up into groups of four. After the materials have been distributed,
students will be asked to complete the prediction sheet in their science journals. The
students will be given the temperatures of soil, water and air out of sunlight. Once this
is completed, the lights will be asked to record the temperatures of soil, air and water in
sunlight. The students will list their results on the data table.
INTRODUCE/REVIEW/EXTEND PRODUCT BY…
· The students will be asked to come to the front of the room and report their findings.
The results presented should mirror the group activity. The results will be discussed and
explored in depth.
EXPLAIN/LIST ASSESSMENT CRITERIA BY… (all students)
· Participation during the lesson through discussion
· Ability to draw pictures that reflect the temperature in the science journal

4. · Observing the thermometers in the sunlight
· Completing an assessment checklist
CLOSE THE LESSON BY…
The teacher will review why the temperatures in each setting were different. The
students will then be asked to rank the temperatures in both the science journal page
and the experiment from warmest to coolest.
MATERIALS:
· Science Journal page
· Data Table page
· Prediction page
· 1 cup of soil (for each group)
· 1 cup of water (for each group)
· 1 cup (for each student)
· 3 thermometers (for each group)
· clock
DIFFERENTIATION:
· Visual:
- Physical demonstration of activity
- Drawing encouraged during Science Journal page
- They will have the opportunity to see how an actual thermometer is used.
· Auditory:
- The directions and results of the activity will be discussed verbally
· Tactile:
- Students will have a opportunity to touch and read real thermometers
· Naturalistic:
- Students will be interacting with earth elements such as air, soil and water

5. · Kinesthetic:
- Movement is built into group activity and activity and presentation of
results
· More-abled learner:
- Pair the student with the less abled learner
- Allow the student to record temperatures in different areas of the school
· Less-abled learner:
- Have the more abled learner work one on one with the students
- Relate temperature to their own personal experiences through inquiry
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:
· Have the students draw investigate different temperatures in other regions of the United
States. Students will be asked to report back on how they are similar or different than
ours.

6. · Kinesthetic:
- Movement is built into group activity and activity and presentation of
results
· More-abled learner:
- Pair the student with the less abled learner
- Allow the student to record temperatures in different areas of the school
· Less-abled learner:
- Have the more abled learner work one on one with the students
- Relate temperature to their own personal experiences through inquiry
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:
· Have the students draw investigate different temperatures in other regions of the United
States. Students will be asked to report back on how they are similar or different than
ours.