Grade 4: Estimating and Measuring Temperature in Degrees Celsius – Week 2

Here’s a Grade Four Mathematics lesson plan focusing on the objective “Estimate and measure temperature in degrees Celsius,” using Jamaica’s National Standard Curriculum, the 5Es, and differentiated activities for tiers 1, 2, and 3.

Grade 4 Mathematics Lesson Plan

Topic: Estimating and Measuring Temperature in Degrees Celsius
Duration: 60 minutes
Objectives: Students should be able to:

1. Estimate temperature in degrees Celsius.
2. Measure temperature using a thermometer and express it in degrees Celsius.

Key Vocabulary:

Temperature, Degrees Celsius (°C), Thermometer, Estimate, Measure

Teaching Resources/Materials

Classroom thermometer, Digital thermometer (optional), Pictures of different weather conditions (sunny, rainy, snowy), Chart paper/whiteboard and markers, Activity sheets, Flashcards with temperatures (in °C) and corresponding real-life contexts (e.g., freezing, room temperature, body temperature)

Lesson Content Summary

Estimating Temperature: Students will estimate the temperature for different situations based on prior knowledge and experience. For example:

• A hot day might be around 30°C.
• A cold day might be around 10°C.
• Room temperature is generally between 20°C and 25°C.

Measuring Temperature: Students will learn how to use a thermometer to measure temperature and understand that temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius (°C).

• Example: The room temperature might be 22°C.

Teaching/Learning Procedure:

Engage:

Show students images of different weather conditions (e.g., a snowy day, a sunny beach, a rainy day). Ask, “How would you describe the temperature on these days? Do you think it’s hot, cold, or just right?”

Students will respond with their ideas and describe the temperatures based on their experiences.

Purpose: To activate prior knowledge about temperature and how it varies with weather conditions.

Explore:

Present a thermometer to the class and explain that it is used to measure temperature. Pass around the thermometer and allow students to observe its scale in degrees Celsius. Show students how to read it by using the room temperature as an example.

Students will observe the thermometer and discuss their predictions about how temperature is measured.

Purpose: To familiarize students with the thermometer and the concept of temperature measurement in degrees Celsius.

Explain:

Explain how temperature is measured using a thermometer and how we estimate temperatures. Introduce the scale of degrees Celsius and key reference points:

• 0°C is the freezing point of water.
• 100°C is the boiling point of water.
• Room temperature is around 20°C to 25°C.
• Write examples on the board, such as the temperature on a cold day (~10°C) and a hot day (~30°C).

Students will write down the key temperature benchmarks and compare them to their own experiences (e.g., “What does 25°C feel like?”).

Purpose: To explain the concept of estimating temperature and understanding key points on the Celsius scale.

Elaborate:

Distribute activity sheets where students must estimate the temperature based on different scenarios (e.g., “It’s a sunny day at the beach,” “It’s snowing outside,” “The classroom feels cool”). Then, allow students to use a thermometer to measure the actual temperature in the classroom and record it.

Students will complete the activity sheet, estimating temperatures for different contexts, and then use a thermometer to measure and record the classroom temperature.

Purpose: To practice estimating and measuring temperature in degrees Celsius using real-life contexts.

Evaluate:

Ask students to share their estimates and measurements from the activity sheet. Discuss any differences between their estimates and the actual measurements. Ask them to explain why the temperature might vary (e.g., depending on location, time of day).

Students will share their results and explanations with the class. Teacher will assess understanding of how to estimate and measure temperature.

Purpose: To evaluate students’ ability to estimate and measure temperature and to check for comprehension.

Differentiated Instruction

Tier 1: Below Grade Level (Struggling Learners)

Provide extra support with simple and concrete examples (e.g., comparing the temperature of hot and cold water using pictures). Use a larger, easy-to-read thermometer with fewer numbers.

Materials: Flashcards with basic temperature ranges (e.g., cold: 10°C, warm: 25°C, hot: 35°C).

Support: Teacher-led small group discussions, guiding students through the reading of the thermometer and estimation.

Tier 2: On Grade Level (Average Learners)

Students will estimate the temperature for different real-life contexts (e.g., classroom, outside playground) and measure it using a thermometer. They will compare their estimates with actual readings.

Materials: Standard thermometer and estimation worksheets.

Support: Peer collaboration and teacher feedback during the estimation and measurement activities.

Tier 3: Above Grade Level (Advanced Learners)

Challenge students to estimate temperatures for less familiar scenarios (e.g., “What is the temperature in the refrigerator?” or “What temperature would it be on top of a mountain?”). Have them research and compare temperatures in different regions or climates.

Materials: Additional worksheets with more complex temperature scenarios.

Support: Independent research and deeper exploration of temperature ranges across different climates or locations.

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to estimate and measure temperature in degrees Celsius, understanding how different temperatures feel and their significance in real-life situations.