Temperature for children

Quick answer

You can read temperature on a thermometer by looking at the numbers and seeing if the liquid (usually red or blue) goes up or down. Temperature tells us how hot or cold something is, and we can compare temperatures to see which is warmer or colder.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to read temperatures on a thermometer and compare which temperatures are warmer or colder.

• You can tell the temperature by reading the numbers on the thermometer.
• You can say which temperature is hotter or colder.
• You can match temperatures to real-life situations like weather or cooking.
• You can use temperature to make decisions like what to wear.

Why this matters

Temperature helps us understand how hot or cold things are. This is useful in many ways:

• Weather forecasts tell us the temperature so we know what to wear.
• Cooking needs the right temperature to make food safe and tasty.
• Some animals need warm temperatures to survive.
• When we go for a walk, we can check if it's too hot or too cold.

Understanding temperature helps us make smart choices and stay safe in different weather.

How it works

Thermometers show temperature in degrees. Here's how to read one:

1. Look at the numbers on the side of the thermometer. These are degrees (°C).
2. Find the line where the liquid (usually red or blue) stops.
3. Read the number that matches the liquid level.
4. Compare temperatures by seeing which number is higher or lower.

For example, if one thermometer shows 20°C and another shows 15°C, the first one is warmer because 20 is more than 15.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are checking the temperature of different things:

You can also compare temperatures in a line:

0°C → 10°C → 20°C → 30°C

As you go to the right, the temperature gets warmer. As you go to the left, it gets colder.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Temperature Detective

You are a detective trying to solve a mystery. You need to find out how cold or hot different places are in your town.

1. Start at your house and check the temperature outside. Write it down.
2. Go to the kitchen and check the temperature of the fridge. Write it down.
3. Go to the freezer and check the temperature. Write it down.
4. Go to the garden and check the temperature of the soil. Write it down.
5. Compare all the temperatures. Which place is the coldest? Which is the warmest?

Now, draw a picture of your adventure. Show the thermometers and the temperatures you found.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 10°C is colder than 5°C.
• Why it happens: Confusing the order of numbers.
• Fix: Remember that higher numbers mean warmer temperatures.

• Mistake: Reading the liquid level wrong.
• Why it happens: Not looking carefully at where the liquid stops.
• Fix: Look at the top of the liquid line, not the bottom.

• Mistake: Mixing up degrees Celsius (°C) and degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
• Why it happens: Not noticing the unit of measurement.
• Fix: Always check if it says °C or °F.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn about temperature:

1. Ask your child to check the temperature before going out. What do they think they should wear?
2. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of different things around the house.
3. Compare temperatures when cooking. For example, what temperature is the oven at?
4. Use real-life examples like the weather forecast or ice cubes.
5. Encourage your child to make predictions: "Is this warmer or colder than the last one we checked?"

Don’t worry if they make mistakes. It's part of learning. Ask questions to help them think through it, not just tell them the right answer.

Practice questions

1. What temperature is shown on a thermometer if the liquid stops at 18°C?
2. Which is warmer: 5°C or 12°C?
3. What temperature is shown if the liquid stops at -3°C?
4. Is 0°C warmer or colder than 10°C?
5. Which temperature is coldest: -2°C, 3°C, or 8°C?

Answers:

1. 18°C
2. 12°C is warmer
3. -3°C
4. Colder
5. -2°C

FAQ

What does temperature mean?

Temperature tells us how hot or cold something is. It is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

How do I read a thermometer?

Look at the numbers on the side. Find where the liquid (usually red or blue) stops. That number is the temperature.

Why is temperature important?

Temperature helps us know what to wear, how to cook food, and how to stay safe in weather.

What is the difference between hot and cold?

Hot temperatures are higher numbers (like 30°C), and cold temperatures are lower numbers (like -5°C).

Can I use a thermometer anywhere?

Yes! You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of water, air, food, or even your body.