What Is Temperature?

Are you looking for an easy way to teach your child about weather and climate? We’ve put together a set of free materials that parents and teachers can use right away. In this lesson, your child will dive into the fascinating world of temperature. 

We’ll explore the factors that cause changes in daily and seasonal temperature. Explore science in a more engaging way with captivating 3D videos and interactive quizzes. Download our app to get started!

What You Will Learn From This Lesson

Temperature is a fundamental meteorological measurement that reflects how hot or cold the weather is. Knowing the temperature helps us plan activities wisely, such as arranging outdoor events. Accurate measurements are crucial because personal perceptions of heat and cold can be subjective.

How Is Temperature Measured?

We can use a thermometer to measure temperature accurately. The common units used to describe temperature are degrees Celsius (°C) and degrees Fahrenheit (°F). (often simply called degrees in everyday life). Weather forecasts rely on temperature readings taken inside a protective instrument called the Stevenson Screen. This device is typically white to reflect sunlight and is set about 1.5 meters (5 feet) above the ground to ensure accurate, consistent readings.

What Are the Factors Affecting Temperature?

Air temperature is primarily influenced by three main factors: sunlight, the surface beneath the air, and clouds. Of these, the sun’s energy is the most important factor.

Sunlight: The angle at which the sun’s rays hit the Earth’s surface determines how much heat is received. The less slanted the sunlight, the more heat is delivered, resulting in higher temperatures. This explains why temperatures are generally highest around noon when the sun is least slanted, and lower in the morning and evening. It also accounts for seasonal changes; in summer, the sun’s rays are generally less slanted than in winter, causing higher temperatures. Because the sun provides heat, days are always warmer than nights.

Surface Type: Different surfaces absorb heat at different rates. Land heats up and cools down faster than the ocean, which is why air temperature is generally higher on the shore than over the sea during the day. 

Clouds: Clouds also significantly affect temperature. During the day, clouds act like a sunshade, blocking sunlight and reducing the heat reaching the ground, resulting in cooler daytime temperatures. At night, clouds act like a blanket, trapping heat and preventing its escape into the atmosphere, which makes cloudy nights warmer than clear nights.

Why Is Temperature Important to Life?

Temperature plays a vital role in our lives, as a suitable temperature is a necessary condition for life to grow and thrive. Different plants and animals have specific temperature needs. For instance, migratory birds fly to warmer places in the winter, and polar bears are uniquely adapted to live in the cold Arctic. The most comfortable air temperature for humans is generally between 18°C and 24°C (64°F and 75°F). Extreme temperatures can be hazardous, leading to heat waves, cold snaps, and blizzards.

Fun Fact

• Temperature is measured at a specific height of 1.5 meters above the ground to ensure weather forecast accuracy.
• The colors on global temperature maps follow the rainbow, with red for the hottest and purple for the coldest temperatures.
• Clouds act like a large sunshade during the day, blocking sunlight to keep the surface cool.
• Clouds work like a blanket at night, preventing heat from escaping and making the air warmer.
• Land heats up faster than the ocean when receiving the same amount of solar energy.

Vocabulary

• Temperature: A fundamental measurement that reflects how hot or cold the weather is. It plays a vital role in life, as a suitable temperature is necessary for living things to grow and thrive.
• Thermometer: A tool used to measure temperature accurately. It displays the exact temperature.
• Degrees Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F): The common unit used to measure and describe temperature. In everyday life, it is often simply referred to as degrees.
• Sunlight: The energy source that primarily influences air temperature by providing heat. The angle of its rays affects the amount of heat the Earth receives, resulting in temperature changes.
• Clouds: Clouds are a factor that affects air temperature. They can block sunlight during the day. This makes the air cooler. At night, clouds act like a blanket. They prevent heat from escaping and help keep things warmer.