One day my son and I were watching the Temperature Investigation episode of Sid the Science Kid cartoon. Cory was two-years-old the first time he watched it. After the episode ended, we decided to do the science experiment showcased on the cartoon. My son learned a lot about thermometers and temperature change during this activity.
Fall is coming soon and our children will witness a drop in temperature. Do this simple experiment at home to help your child learn about temperature changes in nature. I am pretty sure you have all the materials in your kitchen.
Let’s Get Started!
Materials Needed:
- Portable Thermometer
- Bowl (2)
- Ice
- Hot Water
- Instant Pack of Grits or Oatmeal
- Spoon
Method:
- Put ice in the bowl
- Put the thermometer in the ice
- Open the instant grits or oatmeal packet.
- Pour the ingredients from the packet in a second bowl.
- Pour hot water in the bowl and stir to mix.
- Put the thermometer in bowl.
- You will see the temperature on the thermometer go up.
- Try putting ice in the bowl of grits or oatmeal and observe what happens to the temperature.
- Hint: It should decrease.
Watch the video below to see our experiment.
Have fun with this activity!
Bonus
Explain to your child how a real thermometer works
- Thermometers usually have alcohol in them.
- The alcohol changes its size in the thermometer which causes the temperature to increase or decrease.
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I don’t have kids old enough for this, but it definitely looks fun! Thanks for the idea!
LOL! Yes this a fun experiment for adults! Thank you for your comment1
awesome experiment, i will have to try this with my son, he loves all science related activities and what a cool way to demonstrate temperature changes
Oh good! I hope your son enjoys this activity!
This is awesome! So easy and simple; I’ll have to remember this for when my babe gets a bit older.
I am glad you like this! Yes it was fun and simple!
This is such a great activity! I’ll be doing it with my nieces for sure!
Oh goood!! I hope your nieces have fun with this!
This is super cool. I can’t wait to try this over the weekend. With my kids of course 😉
Thanks for sharing!
I hope they have fun with this experiment!
I love that you were took what you saw on tv and brought it into real life for you kid! That’s how kiddos learn and understand the world they live in. What a fun experiment. Can’t wait to try it with my kids 🙂
Thank you Adriane for your comment. I hope your kids like this activity!
How fun!!! Love it!!
Thank you Lisa!