Temperature

Temperature is a measure of how fast atoms and molecules in an object or substance are moving. [Atoms and molecules are defined.] When atoms and molecules are wiggling fast (moving or vibrating), something will feel hot, and when they are moving slowly, something will feel cold. A thermometer is a tool used to measure the temperature of something. Heating makes atoms wiggle faster causing the temperature to go up. Outdoors, the temperature goes down in the shade where some heating from the Sun is blocked. Knowing the temperature and how heating changes it helps us make choices.

A pronunciation guide for scientific terms is included.

24 pages. Reading Level 1-3, Interest Level 2-5.