Title: Exploring Temperature and Thermometers: Solving Real-Life Problems with Negative Numbers Grade Level: Year 4 (Primary)

Lesson Objectives: 1. Understand the concept of temperature and its measurement using thermometers. 2. Apply knowledge of negative numbers to solve real-life problems related to temperature. 3. Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating temperature-related scenarios. 4. Differentiate between positive and negative numbers on a number line. 5. Collaborate effectively in a group task to solve temperature-based problems. 6. Reflect on learning through a Visible Thinking Routine (VTR). 7. Consolidate learning through a plenary activity.

Materials: - Thermometers (real or digital) - Worksheets (links provided below) - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Number lines (positive and negative) - Pencils and erasers

Lesson Plan:

1. Starter (Visible Thinking Routine - Question): Display the following question on the board and ask students to think about it individually for a few minutes:
   • “How can we use a thermometer to measure temperature in real-life situations?”
2. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Engage students in a discussion about temperature and its relevance in daily life.
   • Introduce the concept of thermometers and explain how they work.
   • Show examples of different types of thermometers and discuss their uses.
   • Discuss the concept of negative numbers and their representation on a number line.
3. Group Task (20 minutes):
   • Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
   • Distribute thermometers and provide each group with a temperature-related scenario (e.g., “The temperature dropped by 5 degrees Celsius overnight. What is the new temperature?”).
   • In their groups, students should discuss and solve the given problem using the thermometers and their knowledge of negative numbers.
   • Encourage collaboration and communication within the groups.
   • Monitor and provide guidance as needed.
4. Critical Thinking Question (10 minutes):
   • Bring the whole class together and present a critical thinking question related to temperature and negative numbers (e.g., “Why do we use negative numbers when measuring temperature below zero?”).
   • Allow students to share their thoughts and reasoning.
   • Facilitate a class discussion to encourage critical thinking and deeper understanding.
5. Challenge Question (15 minutes):
   • Present a more complex temperature-related problem to the class (e.g., “The temperature in a freezer is -10 degrees Celsius. If it increases by 8 degrees, what will be the new temperature?”).
   • Ask students to solve the problem individually or in pairs.
   • Encourage students to explain their reasoning and steps taken to arrive at the solution.
6. Visible Thinking Routine (VTR - Think-Pair-Share) (10 minutes):
   • Pose a reflective question to the class, such as “What did you learn about using thermometers and negative numbers to solve temperature problems?”
   • Give students a few minutes to think individually, then pair them up to discuss their thoughts.
   • Finally, ask a few pairs to share their reflections with the whole class.
7. Differentiation:
   • Provide additional support to struggling students by offering simplified temperature problems or using manipulatives (e.g., number lines) to aid understanding.
   • Challenge advanced students with more complex temperature scenarios or multi-step problems.
8. Plenary (10 minutes):
   • Summarize the key concepts covered in the lesson.
   • Review the solutions to the challenge question as a class.
   • Allow students to ask any remaining questions or seek clarification.
9. Worksheets:
   • Provide students with worksheets to reinforce their understanding and practice solving temperature-related problems using negative numbers. Here are some suggested links: a. Worksheet 1: [Link] b. Worksheet 2: [Link] c. Worksheet 3: [Link]

Note: The worksheets can be adapted or modified based on the specific needs and curriculum requirements of your school or district.

1. Extension Activities (Optional): - Encourage students to explore temperature-related concepts in their daily lives and share their findings with the class. - Assign a project where students research and present on the history and development of thermometers.

By incorporating a variety of activities and resources, this lesson plan aims to engage Year 4 students in solving real-life problems using thermometers and negative numbers, while fostering critical thinking and collaboration skills.