Measuring Temperature: A Chemistry and Algebra connection!

Level: Algebra 1/Integrated Science

Objective: The students will explore the relationship between the Fahrenheit and Celcius temperature scales. Furthermore, they will consider how science uses math as a tool. We will review relationships between 2 variables and use data analysis to further understand both science and math concepts.

Materials:

CBL for groups of 3-4 students.

Temperature probes

Bunsen burners

400-600 ml beakers

Ringstand and wire screen

Ice and water

Procedure: To be completed in Integrated Science

1. Set up the CBL to use the temperature probe. Select a table display.

2. Set up a ringstand with ring and wire screen and a Bunsen burner to heat water.

3. Obtain a 400-600 ml beaker. Fill about 1/2 way with tap water.

4. Add a few ice cubes to the water. Stir to cool the water.

5. Begin recording data with your temperature probe.

6. Slowly heat the water. As you do so, record temperature change versus time. Collect many points of data.

7. Stop the data collection and print out the data in table form. Also drag the data set onto a graph display. Print this as well.

8. Repeat the experiment with new water. This time, set the temperature probe to measure in degrees Fahrenheit. You can do this by clicking on the picture of the temperature probe connected to the interface box. This will bring you to a dialog box. You will see a "Measurement" tab. Click it and change the measurement unit to Fahrenheit.

9. Collect many points of data and print out as in number 7.

10. Bring this data to Algebra tomorrow for fun and entertainment!

To be completed in Algebra 1

1. Perform linear regression for the data from #6 and #9
2. Graph the lines in the calculator.
3. Compare the graphs of the lines.

Extension:

The data from #6 and #9 could be used to find the conversion formulas for Celsius and Fahrenheit.

The students will complete the following in Algebra.

1. Make a scatterplot of degrees Celsius vs. degrees Fahrenheit .
2. What conclusions are you able to make from the scatterplot?

Use the equations from the linear regression to fill in the table.

^oC	^oF
0^o
32^o
60^o
100^o
212^o
	10^o
	20^o
	30^o
	37^o
	50^o

Now is the time to talk to Trey. Please answer the following questions so that he can begin packing for his vacation.

1. If the average temperature for Orlando is 7^o C, what is that temperature in ^o F?

2. What type of clothes would you recommend that he pack for his vacation?

or

Trey is very excited about his annual vacation trip to sunny Orlando, Florida. This year the trip will be during his winter break. He decides to research the average temperature during this time of the year so that he will know what types of clothes to pack. At school he investigates on the internet and finds that average temperature for December 25 is 7 degrees Celsius. Being a person that rapidly jumps to conclusions he tells you, his lab partner, that his parents are out of their minds if they think he is going to go on rollercoasters wearing a parka. As his classmates you are going to complete the following activity because you have heard that is a little warmer than this in Florida.

.