Make a Thermometer

Make a Thermometer is a Grade 2 measurement activity where students create a paper thermometer and use it to represent real temperatures. Students copy the scale of a thermometer, then color the red “mercury” level to match an observed temperature. Finished thermometers can be arranged from coldest to warmest, turning individual measurements into a visual class display.

Use it for whole-class or independent work when students are learning to read and represent temperature. Ordering the completed thermometers gives an extra opportunity to compare values and discuss which temperatures are higher or lower. Create a free Find a Math Game account to generate teacher-ready lesson support for Make a Thermometer. No credit card, with 3 lifetime lesson generations.