Part of Lesson Plan: Vital Signs

Activity Overview / Details

Reading a mercury thermometer

Draw a picture of a mercury thermometer on the whiteboard showing the degree and two-tenth degree markings.

• Explain to students each long line is one degree, each short line is two-tenths of a degree, or 0.2
• To read the thermometer hold it at eye level by the stem.
• Rotate it slowly between your thumb and index finger until you can see the mercury column.
• The mercury will show up between the numbers and the degree lines.
• Read the mercury to the nearest two-tenths degree
• If mercury ends between two lines - round up

Draw the mercury on the thermometer diagram on the whiteboard and ask students what the temperature is. Repeat this several times.

Pass out mercury thermometers to students and have them read the thermometer and write down their findings.Check their results and assist as needed.

Pass out worksheet "How do you feel?". This is an exercise on reading mercury thermometers.  Have students complete, then review with class.

Show video on how to use a mercury thermometer.