Created by Leecy Wise and Caitlyn Reese, © Unlimited Learning, Inc. 2015

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We measure temperature in our daily lives when we discuss the weather or baking recipes, when we plant in the spring, or prepare for the winter. Temperature

Temperature is also a very important measurement in health fields. For example, health workers must measure body temperature to determine how sick a patient may be, and what that patient may be infected with.

Mr. Graham has a fever. His temperature is 102 degrees. This room is 65 degrees, which is too cold for this patient after surgery. Mr. Smith is recovering well from his illness: his temperature is back down to 98 degrees.

In this module, we will look at two units for measuring temperature: Fahrenheit and Celsius. Then you will learn how to convert from one system to the other. Note: The word “degrees” in both systems is represented by this symbol: 75 ° The degree symbol always goes after the number but before the unit of temperature (Celsius or Fahrenheit) Celsius (° Fahrenheit (° C) F)

In the early 1700’s, Gabriel Fahrenheit (who lived from ) created the Fahrenheit scale. Fahrenheit chose to base his temperature scale on the characteristics of water. He chose to make the freezing point of water 32° and the boiling point of water 212°

Later in that century, around 1743, Anders Celsius (lived from ) invented the Celsius scale. In fact, the Celsius scale is known as a “Universal System Unit,” meaning that it is used in science and in most countries throughout the world. Using the same anchor points, he thought the freezing temperature of water should be 0 ° and the boiling temperature should be 100° (which a lot of people thought made a little more sense!)

Before we go any further, let’s talk about what temperature is actually measuring. (Atoms are microscopic particles that act as building blocks for all objects. Atoms then bind together to form larger building blocks called molecules.) And believe it or not, every atom is ALWAYS moving! (Yes, even in solid objects, they are at least vibrating.) Greg L at the English language Wikipedia

Temperature is actually the average energy associated with movement of atoms and molecules. Okay, here it is! Low temperature (low energy) Room temperature (moderate energy) High temperature (high energy)

Okay, now that we have talked about the definition of temperature, and the two main systems used to measure it, let’s talk about conversions

You probably remember from earlier that both the Celsius and Fahrenheit systems use the same anchors for reference points: the freezing and boiling temperatures of water.

The following chart gives you an idea of how temperatures in the two systems compare. The actual temperature is the same, of course, but it is expressed differently: Sometimes you may hear the term “centigrade” used instead of Celsius, but they are still the same thing!

Here is another chart that shows some more interesting comparisons (some are estimates): Description°C°F Water boils Hot Bath40104 Body temperature Beach weather3086 Room temperature Cool Day Freezing point of water 032 Very Cold Day Notice how the range of temperatures in Fahrenheit is WIDE, while Celsius is very NARROW. For this reason it is common to have to use decimals in Celsius, but in Fahrenheit we usually don’t need them. For more interesting comparisons, check out this interactive thermometer by clicking on the link below:

As you saw in the table, 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit ( F) or 37 degrees Celsius (37 0 C) is considered to be normal body temperature. In general, a fever is defined as having a temperature of at least F (or 38 0 C). A fever of F (or C) can actually lead to brain damage. In the lab station, you learned about all of the thermoregulatory mechanisms that the body constantly uses to maintain this temperature.

The process for converting in one direction is exactly opposite of the process for going in the other direction!

Let’s look at an example: What is 95 0 F in 0 C? Let’s start with our equation for 0 F to 0 C:  Step 1: Subtract 32  Step 2: Multiply by 5  Step 3: Divide by 9

Let’s try it. Convert the following temperatures in Fahrenheit to Celsius. Round to one decimal place. Write your answers on your Lesson Answer Sheet, then click to check your work. 140 o F = ______ o C 25 o F = ______ o C –14 o F = ______ o C 357 o F = ______ o C Okay, try these:

140 o F = 60 o C 25 o F = -3.9 o C –14 o F = o C 358 o F = o C Check your answers. Cross out any wrong answers and correct them on your answer sheet.

Here’s an example: What is 40 0 C in 0 F? Let’s start with our equation for 0 C to 0 F:  Step 1: Multiply by 9  Step 2: Divde by 5  Step 3: Add 32

Alright, ready? Convert the following temperatures in Celsius to Fahrenheit. Round to one decimal place. Write your answers on your Lesson Answer Sheet, then click to check your work. 15 o C = ______ o F 67 o C = ______ o F –8 o C = ______ o F 190 o C = ______ o F Okay here you go:

15 o C = 59 o F 67 o C = o F –8 o C = 17.6 o F 190 o C = 374 o F Check your answers. Cross out any wrong answers and correct them on your answer sheet.

Review and Practice Turn in your Lesson Answer Sheet to your coach. Then complete the following worksheet (you should have a print out of it): › Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Conversions Once you complete the worksheet, ask your coach for the answer key and correct your work. Don’t worry, you’ll only be graded for completion on this part.

CONGRATULATIONS! You now have a good introduction to temperature units and conversions! Ready to take the quiz?