Making a Thermometer

Throughout the past few weeks, we have been observing and studying the properties of water. This week we looked at the differences between hot and cold water. An easy and fun connection that you and your child can do at home is to make a thermometer.
A thermometer is an instrument that measures the temperature. Temperature is measured in a scale called Fahrenheit (by most people in the United States) and in Celsius or Centigrade (used by scientists and by people in many other countries). The point where water freezes is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (F for short) and 0 degrees Celsius (C). The point where water boils is 212 degrees F and 100 degrees C.

Thermometers help us know what the weather will be like. If it will be 90°F outside, we're not going to put on a winter coat. Or if it's below zero, we won't be wearing shorts. Here's a way to show how a simple thermometer works.


1. Pour tap water into the bottle, filling about 1/8 to a 1/4 of the bottle and add
a couple of drops of food coloring.
2. Put the straw in the bottle, but don't let the straw touch the bottom (DO NOT
DRINK THE MIXTURE).
3. Use the modeling clay to seal the neck of the bottle, so the straw stays in place.
4. Now hold your hands on the bottle and watch what happens to the mixture in the
bottle. Try putting the bottle into a bowl of really hot water or ice water.
5. Take a picture of you and your thermometer to bring into class! (Or email it to
hlarsen@msd134.org)