Lesson Plan: Describing Relative Temperatures Using Degrees Celsius

Subject: Mathematics

Year Level: Year 5

Duration: 24 Minutes

Class Size: 10 Students

Curriculum Context

This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum for Mathematics. It specifically addresses aspects of the Measurement strand, focusing on developing students' abilities to understand and use units of measurement, specifically degrees Celsius for temperature (Level 3).

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of temperature as a measure of heat.
2. Describe and compare relative temperatures using degrees Celsius.
3. Interpret temperature data from simple graphs.

Resources Needed

• Thermometers showing temperatures in degrees Celsius
• Chart paper and markers
• Laptops or tablets with access to internet for interactive temperature activities (optional)
• Printable worksheets on temperature comparison

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Setting the Scene: Start by discussing everyday situations where temperature plays a role (e.g., weather, cooking).
2. Engage with a Question: Ask students, "Why is it important to measure temperature? Can anyone tell me what we use to measure temperature?"

Main Activity (14 minutes)

1. Group Discussion and Demonstration (4 minutes):

   • Show different thermometers and demonstrate how to read them.
   • Discuss what degrees Celsius means and why it is used in New Zealand.
   • Quick quiz: "What would you wear if the temperature is 10°C? How about 25°C?"

2. Practical Activity - Temperature Charting (10 minutes):

   • Divide the class into pairs and provide each group with a thermometer, chart paper, and markers.
   • Students place their thermometers outside (if feasible) or near a window for a few minutes.
   • They record the temperature and bring the thermometer back to discuss their findings.
   • Each pair draws a simple bar graph on their chart paper showing the temperature they recorded alongside hypothetical temperatures for different scenarios (e.g., hottest day in summer, coldest day in winter).

Conclusion and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Ask students to share their charts and describe the temperatures in degrees Celsius.
• Discuss how temperatures affect different aspects of daily life and the environment.

Independent Follow-Up Activity (Assigned as homework)

• Temperature Diary: Each student will keep a temperature diary for one week. They will record the temperature at a specific time each day and note down any significant weather-related events or how the temperature affected their activities or choices of clothing.
• Worksheet Activity: Accompanying worksheets that prompt students to compare temperatures on different days and relate these to their personal experiences.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through observation during activities and discussions.
• Review of the temperature charts and the descriptions provided by students.
• Check completion and understanding through the temperature diary entries.

Additional Resources

• NZ Maths (external link): https://nzmaths.co.nz/measurement-level-3 (Here, you can find more resources and activities related to measurement at Level 3, suitable for Year 5 students adhering to New Zealand's educational standards.)
• Interactive Temperature Games (if technology allows): Websites like https://www.weatherwizkids.com can provide interactive and engaging ways for students to learn about temperature and weather.

This lesson plan is crafted to make learning about temperature and degrees Celsius both engaging and educational, adhering to New Zealand’s curriculum requirements for Year 5 students.