Presentation

  1. 1

    Place the tablets at random on the table.

  2. 2

    Rest the fingertips or the inside of the wrist on one tablet, then on others, to find the one that feels the same temperature.

  3. 3

    Place the pair together.

  4. 4

    Continue until all are paired.

  5. 5

    Grade one of each pair from the one that feels coldest to the one that feels warmest.

  6. 6

    Name the materials in three-period lessons.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Pair the tablets blindfolded.
  2. Grade them blindfolded.
  3. Find objects in the room made of the same materials and feel whether they are cold or warm.

Control of error

The tablets in each pair look the same; the child removes the blindfold and checks by sight.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Pairs all tablets blindfolded
  • Grades coldest to warmest
  • Names the materials

Guide note

Store the tablets away from sunlight and radiators so they stay at room temperature.

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.