Mass and capacity - Temperature - Planning

In the third week of the summer term, Year 3 students delve into the concept of temperature as part of their Measure (Capacity) studies. The lesson begins with a review of the previous week's vocabulary, ensuring that the children are familiar with terms such as 'scale', 'thermometer', 'temperature', and comparison symbols like greater than, less than, and equal to. They are encouraged to use thermometers and mini whiteboards to engage with the practical aspects of measuring temperature. The class revisits how to read and measure temperature, discussing the necessary equipment and the units used for this measurement.

The students participate in a series of activities, starting with a practical task where they measure temperatures in different locations around the school, noting the differences and recording their findings. They then work together to complete representations of thermometers, showing various temperatures as a class exercise. A further activity involves using comparison symbols to understand temperature changes, which they complete in small groups. Throughout the lesson, key questions prompt the children to consider whether one temperature is warmer or colder than another and to observe what happens to the scale when temperatures rise or fall. The lesson addresses common misconceptions, such as confusion over comparison symbols and difficulties in reading non-integer temperatures. As a reflection, students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember how to measure and record temperatures accurately. Differentiated worksheets cater to varying levels of understanding, from completing thermometers with clear markings to determining the value of each mark on more complex scales.