Measuring Temperature & Rain

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 3 pupils to using thermometers and constructing a simple rain gauge. It links directly to Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Experiences and Outcomes for Social Studies: People, Place and Environment, helping pupils observe, measure, and understand weather conditions. The lesson involves hands-on learning, an engaging worksheet, and a creative practical activity to foster curiosity and applied skills.

---

CfE Alignment

Experiences and Outcomes (Es & Os):

• SOC 2-07a: I can use maps and models and visit sites to help me learn about the physical features of places.
• SCN 2-17a: I am learning to measure and record simple physical phenomena using appropriate tools.
• TCH 2-09a: I can use simple measuring instruments to explore and record information and draw conclusions.

---

Learning Intentions (WALT)

• WALT understand how to read and record temperature using a thermometer.
• WALT develop measuring skills by interpreting data from thermometers.
• WALT construct a basic rain gauge to measure rainfall.

---

Success Criteria

Pupils can:

• Correctly read temperature from different types of thermometers with confidence (digital and analogue).
• Record temperatures accurately on a worksheet.
• Assemble and explain how a rain gauge works.
• Demonstrate curiosity by asking questions about weather measurement.

---

Resources Needed

• Several analogue and digital thermometers (minimum of 7, one per group of 4 pupils)
• Worksheet with thermometer images (with different temperature readings to identify)
• Clear plastic bottles, scissors, ruler, waterproof markers, stones/sand for the rain gauge
• Clipboards and pencils
• Dyslexia-friendly version of worksheet: larger print, sans-serif font (e.g., Comic Sans), highlighted keywords
• Visual aids: large thermometer diagrams, poster showing parts of a thermometer and rain gauge

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking pupils about weather: “How do we know if it is hot or cold outside?”
• Show a big poster/diagram of a thermometer and explain key parts (bulb, mercury/colour column, scale).
• Introduce WALT and success criteria clearly on the board or slide.

2. Demonstration (10 minutes)

• Show different thermometers: explain how to carefully read both analogue and digital.
• Use a live thermometer (e.g., room temperature) to show how to read it step-by-step.
• Interactive Q&A: ask, “What temperature do you think it shows?” to engage pupils.
• Highlight safety (not to touch mercury thermometers if present; use only safe classroom versions).

3. Guided Practice: Worksheet Activity (10 minutes)

• Pupils work in pairs to write the temperature shown on images of thermometers on the worksheet.
• Dyslexia-friendly versions available.
• Teacher circulates, offering support and checking for understanding.

4. Practical Construction: Rain Gauge (15 minutes)

• Explain the purpose of a rain gauge with a short story/activity: “We’re going to measure rainfall, just like real scientists!”
• Demonstrate how to cut the bottle, add stones for stability, mark measurements on the bottle, and explain rain collection.
• Pupils work in small groups (4 per group) with teacher support.
• Encourage pupils to decorate the rain gauge and label their measurements.

5. Plenary & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite a few pupils to share readings from their worksheets and explain their rain gauge.
• Recap what they have learned about measuring temperature and rain.
• Collect rain gauges to keep in the school grounds or pupils take home (depending on health & safety policy).

---

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Needs	Strategies
Additional Support (e.g., SEN)	Use one-to-one support during thermometer reading; dyslexia-friendly worksheets; provide verbal instructions and paired work.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)	Use visuals and gestures; pair with a buddy; pre-teach key vocabulary (temperature, hot, cold, rain).
Advanced Learners	Challenge to investigate how temperature changes throughout the day or to record daily rainfall for a week and interpret data.

---

Extension Activities

• Weather Journal: Pupils keep a simple daily record of temperature and rainfall using their own rain gauge and a thermometer, noting changes over a week.
• Creative Writing: Write a short story or poem about a raindrop’s journey, incorporating temperature changes.
• Math Integration: Convert temperature readings from Celsius to Fahrenheit and explore number patterns.

---

Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during thermometer reading and rain gauge construction.
• Review completed worksheets for accuracy in reading temperatures.
• Question and answer during plenary to confirm understanding.

---

Dyslexia-Friendly Tips

• Use clear, simple language and break down instructions into small steps.
• Provide worksheets with font size minimum 14pt, sans-serif typeface, and coloured overlays if required.
• Use bullet points and bold key words.
• Give oral explanations to accompany written tasks.
• Allow pupils extra time and provide one-to-one support.

---

This lesson plan offers a balance of demonstration, hands-on activities, and reflection, ensuring engaging, differentiated learning aligned carefully with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence outcomes. It builds both practical skills and curiosity about measuring weather phenomena.