• Class: Primary 5
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 10
  • Age: 10 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: Basic Science and Technology
  • Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
  • Previous Lesson: Units and Symbols of Temperature Degree Fahrenheit
  • Topic: Measuring Temperature of Objects in °C and °F
  • Content: Measuring the temperature of an object in °C. Measuring the temperature of an object in °F.

Performance Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  • Cognitive Domain:
    1. Define temperature and explain the difference between °C and °F.
    2. Identify the devices used to measure temperature.
  • Affective Domain:
    1. Appreciate the importance of temperature measurement in daily life.
    2. Show interest in using thermometers for measuring temperature.
  • Psychomotor Domain:
    1. Accurately measure and record the temperature of different objects using a thermometer.
    2. Use the thermometer safely and correctly.
  • Social Domain:
    1. Work cooperatively with classmates to perform temperature measurement experiments.
    2. Share their findings and discuss differences in temperature readings.

Reference Materials:

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
  • Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
  • NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
  • Online Information from: Labomat – How to measure the temperature?
  • Relevant Textbooks: “Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools”

Instructional Materials:

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Thermometers (both Celsius and Fahrenheit)
  • Ice water and hot water
  • Charts of temperature scales
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Measuring containers

Rationale for the Lesson:

Understanding how to measure temperature is important because it helps pupils make sense of temperature changes in their environment, such as whether something is hot or cold. This skill is used daily when cooking, working with appliances, and even understanding the weather. It also introduces the concepts of Celsius and Fahrenheit, both of which are used worldwide for scientific purposes.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:

Pupils should already be familiar with the concepts of temperature, the use of thermometers, and the basic symbols for temperature measurement (°C and °F), having learned about the units and symbols in the previous lesson.


Instructional Procedures:

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupil’s ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionDiscussion and demonstrationIntroduce the concept of measuring temperature. Show the thermometer and explain how it works.Listen and observe. Ask questions about temperature.Temperature is the measure of heat in an object.
Step 2: Explanation of Celsius7 minsExplanationExample and practiceExplain how to measure temperature in °C using an example (e.g., ice water).Observe demonstration and take notes.Temperature can be measured in °C (Celsius) using a thermometer.
Step 3: Explanation of Fahrenheit7 minsExplanationExample and practiceShow how to measure temperature in °F using an example (e.g., hot water).Observe demonstration and take notes.Temperature can be measured in °F (Fahrenheit) using a thermometer.
Step 4: Guided Practice10 minsGuided PracticeHands-on practiceLet pupils work in pairs to measure the temperature of various objects (ice water, hot water).Work in pairs to measure temperatures using thermometers.Measurement of temperature is a hands-on process requiring attention to detail.
Step 5: Note Taking5 minsIndependent ActivityWritingPupils write down the steps involved in measuring temperature in °C and °F.Write notes on the board.It is important to record measurements accurately.
Step 6: Evaluation4 minsQuestion and AnswerOral questioningAsk pupils to answer questions based on the lesson content.Respond to the teacher’s questions.Measuring temperature in °C and °F is a practical skill.
Step 7: Conclusion2 minsConclusionRecap and reflectionSummarize the key points of the lesson. Reinforce the importance of measuring temperature.Summarize what they learned.Accurate temperature measurement helps in daily tasks and experiments.

Lesson Content:

Measuring Temperature of Objects in °C and °F

Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold an object is. We can measure it using a thermometer. There are two main scales for measuring temperature: Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F).

Measuring temperature of objects in Celsius (°C):

  • To measure temperature in °C, place the thermometer in or near the object you want to measure.
  • Wait for a few seconds until the thermometer gives a steady reading.
  • For example, the temperature of ice water is 0°C, and the temperature of boiling water is 100°C.

Measuring temperature of objects in Fahrenheit (°F):

  • To measure temperature in °F, the same steps apply, but the scale is different.
  • For example, ice water will be at 32°F, and boiling water will be at 212°F.

    Lesson Evaluation:

    To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

    1. What is the unit of measurement for Celsius and Fahrenheit?
    2. How do you measure the temperature of an object in °C?
    3. If you placed a thermometer in boiling water, what temperature would you expect to see in Celsius and Fahrenheit?
    4. What is the difference between the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales?
    5. How can you ensure the thermometer reading is accurate?

    Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan:

    While using the thermometer, remind the pupils to be careful as it may break easily. Always emphasize the importance of reading the thermometer at eye level to avoid errors. This lesson is a great opportunity to get pupils involved with hands-on activities. Encourage them to ask questions and experiment with different objects. Happy teaching!

    Last Update: January 2, 2025