Instructions
- Read the Scenarios: Carefully read through the background information in each section.
- Complete the Tracker: Use the data provided (or observe your own surroundings) to fill out the temperature tracking table.
- Analyze and Graph: Use the data from your table to answer the analysis questions and visualize the trends.
- Apply Your Knowledge: Complete the real-world application scenarios at the end of the worksheet.
- Challenge Yourself: Attempt the extension question if you finish early!
Section 1: Temperature Scales & Tools
Temperature tells us how fast molecules are moving in an object. We usually measure this using Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
Quick Check:
- At what temperature does water freeze? __ °C / __ °F
- At what temperature does water boil? __ °C / __ °F
Section 2: The 7-Day Weather Tracker
Imagine you are a meteorologist tracking the transition from Winter to Spring. Below is a log for one week. Fill in the missing "Change" column by calculating the difference between the Day High and the Night Low.
| Day | Condition | Day High (°C) | Night Low (°C) | Daily Change (High minus Low) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example | Partly Cloudy | 12°C | 4°C | 8°C |
| Monday | Sunny | 15°C | 5°C | |
| Tuesday | Rainy | 10°C | 8°C | |
| Wednesday | Windy | 14°C | 3°C | |
| Thursday | Clear | 18°C | 6°C | |
| Friday | Overcast | 13°C | 9°C | |
| Saturday | Stormy | 11°C | 7°C | |
| Sunday | Sunny | 20°C | 10°C |
Section 3: Data Analysis
Based on the table in Section 2, answer the following questions:
-
Which day had the greatest temperature swing (the largest difference between high and low)?
-
What was the average "Day High" for the entire week? (Total of all Highs ÷ 7)
-
If the temperature on Sunday night dropped by 12 degrees from its high, what would the temperature be?
Section 4: Real-World Scenarios
Scenario A: Food Safety Bacteria grow most rapidly in the "Danger Zone," which is between 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F).
- You leave a bowl of soup on the counter and its temperature is 25°C. Is it in the Danger Zone? [ Yes / No ]
-
Why is it important to keep the refrigerator set below 4°C?
Scenario B: The Greenhouse Effect Imagine a glass greenhouse in the sun. The temperature inside is 32°C, while the temperature outside is 22°C.
-
Calculate the percentage difference in temperature: [(Inside - Outside) / Outside] x 100
Section 5: Visualizing the Data
In the space below, create a simple Line Graph showing the "Day High" for the week.
- Label the vertical axis (Y) with temperature (0 to 25).
- Label the horizontal axis (X) with the days of the week.
Section 6: Challenge Extension
Thermal Expansion: Most materials expand when they get hotter. Engineers leave small gaps in bridges (called expansion joints) so the bridge doesn't buckle in the summer heat. If a steel beam expands 0.1cm for every 5°C increase, how much will a beam expand if the temperature rises from 10°C to 40°C?
Answer: ____
Answer Key
Section 1:
- Freezing: 0°C / 32°F
- Boiling: 100°C / 212°F
Section 2 (Daily Change Column):
- Mon: 10°C
- Tue: 2°C
- Wed: 11°C
- Thu: 12°C
- Fri: 4°C
- Sat: 4°C
- Sun: 10°C
Section 3:
- Thursday (12°C swing).
- 14.4°C (Total: 101 ÷ 7).
- 8°C (20 - 12).
Section 4:
- Scenario A: Yes (25°C is between 4 and 60). Keeping the fridge low slows down bacterial growth to keep food fresh.
- Scenario B: 45.4% increase.
Section 6:
- 0.6cm (The rise is 30°C. 30 ÷ 5 = 6 increments of 0.1cm).