Description
The Galileo thermometer is a 17th-century design thermometer that works on changing the density of liquids due to temperature. The sealed glass tube contains water as well as a number of floats that each have a different liquid inside them.
- When temperature increases, different liquids expand at different rates.
- The floats are calibrated so that they will float at different heights within the cylinder (between 18oC and 28oC).
- The float that is suspended in the middle of the cylinder is the temperature of the surroundings.
- If some of the floats are at the top of the cylinder and the others are at the bottom of the cylinder, the temperature is between the two floats that are closest to each other between the gap.
Use for engaging science at home or in the classroom!
Teaching ideas for a Galileo thermometer
- Research the history of Galileo’s discoveries.
- Learn how expanding liquids can be used in industry.
- What is the hottest and coldest ever recorded temperature?
- Make your own home-made thermometer
- Investigate buoyancy of liquids with a home-made lava lamps
I just wanted to pass on how much the staff and students really enjoyed it and how perfect it was to launch our science week activities. The students were enthralled, educated and entertained – a perfect trifecta!
-Caulfield Grammar School – Big Science Big FunThanks so much for presenting at our school on Monday. Our students enjoyed the show.
-Greenvale Primary School – Big Science Big FunFizzics Education curated a thoughtful and hands-on experience for the children, incorporating practical, skill-based learning activities and followed by a science presentation at the end of the event involving liquid nitrogen. This was delivered safely and effectively, capturing both the children and the parents for the duration of the presentation.
-Macquarie Bank – Family Fun DayFizzics Education ran a show today at our school and it was wonderful. He was a great facilitator and the show was age appropriate and well done.
-Mount Zion Early learning centre – Little Science Big FunI just wanted to pass on how much the staff and students really enjoyed it and how perfect it was to launch our science week activities. The students were enthralled, educated and entertained – a perfect trifecta!
-Caulfield Grammar School – Big Science Big FunThanks so much for presenting at our school on Monday. Our students enjoyed the show.
-Greenvale Primary School – Big Science Big FunFizzics Education curated a thoughtful and hands-on experience for the children, incorporating practical, skill-based learning activities and followed by a science presentation at the end of the event involving liquid nitrogen. This was delivered safely and effectively, capturing both the children and the parents for the duration of the presentation.
-Macquarie Bank – Family Fun DayFizzics Education ran a show today at our school and it was wonderful. He was a great facilitator and the show was age appropriate and well done.
-Mount Zion Early learning centre – Little Science Big Fun