To effectively teach temperature to fourth grade students, it is necessary to first introduce them to the basic concepts of temperature. Your fourth grade students likely have an idea of what temperature is, but they may not know its technical definition or its properties. Explain that "temperature" is a quantitative measurement of the hotness or coldness of matter. Emphasize that while temperature may be expressed as "hot" or "cold," temperature has a specific quantitative measurement, based on a scale of degrees (Fahrenheit or Celsius). Reinforce that all matter, regardless of state, has a temperature and that temperature can affect the state of matter.
A useful strategy to explain the impact of temperature on the state of matter is to conduct an in-class experiment involving temperature. Demonstrate to students how water can be transformed from a solid state to a liquid state to a gas state, based on temperature. Freeze water to make an ice cube. Melt the cube to convert the solid into a liquid. Then boil the water to show how the water evaporates into steam. Explain to students these processes as you demonstrate them.
An essential strategy when teaching temperature is to explain the primary systems of degree measurement. Introduce students to the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales. Explain that the kelvin, which is a unit of measurement for temperature, is used as a reference point for both Fahrenheit and Celsius degree measurements. However, the kelvin is not itself a degree. Demonstrate how Fahrenheit degrees may be converted to Celsius and vice versa. Then have students practice converting degrees between the two systems.
Use class projects and assignments to reinforce material on temperature. For instance, have students draw a thermometer in which Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees correspond, side by side. Challenge students to mark the points on the thermometer for significant degrees, such as the the human body temperature, room temperature, bath temperature and water boiling and freezing temperature. For another assignment, have students record morning, afternoon and evening temperatures for a week, comparing these measurements to national averages or to averages for the region. Hands-on projects such as these require students to actively think about temperature concepts.
Another interactive class project might include a thermometer that advises students how to dress for the temperature. Cut pictures of different seasoned clothing from catalogs or magazines. Glue coats, scarves, mittens and other winter-weather clothing to a round, plastic thermometer in the degree range of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Likewise, use pictures to indicate appropriate clothing for jacket weather, such as 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit; shirt and pants weather, from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit; and shorts and t-shirt weather, from 75 degrees or higher. This project shows students how temperature readings are useful to know on a practical and daily basis.