Beginning with an open discussion invites students to communicate their current levels of understanding and provides a reference point for where to begin with new knowledge. As a group, brainstorm lists that answer the following questions: In which setting is each method used? Who uses Celsius and who uses Fahrenheit? What are the boiling points and freezing points of each scale?
Crafts provide visual aides and hands-on applications that help younger students and those who learn more easily from physical activities. Provide students with construction paper, scissors, etc., and have them create a thermometer based on an example you have assembled beforehand. Have the students identify the different parts of the thermometer, the two scales of measurement, the boiling and freezing points on each scale and how they relate to one another. Always supervise children when using scissors and adhesives.
Games are a fun way for students to make connections between information and the world they interact with every day. On flashcards, write 10 to 20 different temperatures in each scale. On a second set of flashcards draw simple pictures of different clothing items like sneakers, sandals, long- and short-sleeve shirts, pants, shorts, coats and bathing suits. Split the class into groups and give each group a set of cards with all the items of clothing. Each time you hold up a temperature card, have the groups assign the appropriate clothes for each temperature.
Sometimes students simply need the information required to perform calculations. Express the importance of knowing how to convert the scales, and then provide the formulas. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, take a Fahrenheit temperature and subtract 32. Multiply the sum by 5/9. The product is the temperature in Celsius. To reverse the operation, first take the Celsius temperature and multiply by 9/5, then add 32.