SI Units – Temperature

The kelvin (K) is defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the Boltzmann constant k to be 1.380 649 ×10⁻²³ when expressed in the unit J K⁻¹, which is equal to kg m² s⁻² K⁻¹, where the kilogram, meter and second are defined in terms of h, c and ∆ν_Cs. The temperature 0 K is commonly referred to as "absolute zero." On the widely used Celsius temperature scale, water freezes at 0 °C and boils at about 100 °C. One Celsius degree is an interval of 1 K, and zero degrees Celsius is 273.15 K. An interval of one Celsius degree corresponds to an interval of 1.8 Fahrenheit degrees on the Fahrenheit temperature scale.

The standard temperature at the triple point of water is provided by a special cell, an evacuated glass cylinder containing pure water. When the cell is cooled enough so that a mantle of ice forms around the reentrant well, the temperature at the interface of solid, liquid, and vapor is 273.16 K. Thermometers to be calibrated are placed in the reentrant well.

Credit: NIST

Celsius Temperature Poem

Activity:  Estimate the Celsius temperature in each scene (ice crystals, tulip flowers, park bench, and swimming pool). Recite and reflect on the Celsius Temperature Poem. Use the hints provided by the poem.

• 30 °C is hot
• 20 °C is nice
• 10 °C is cold
• 0 °C is ice

Common Temperature Reference Points

Return to Top of Page

Oven Temperature Equivalences

Return to Top of Page

Temperature Conversion (Exact)

Return to Top of Page

Resources for Students and Teachers

Teachers: Top 10 Tips for Teaching the Metric System. (NIST)

Credit: ©2020 U.S. Secretary of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Resources for K-2

• Not sure how to tell that scientific minded person in your life how you feel? Maybe our Superhero Valentine's Day cards will do the trick.
• Download these fun coloring pages for Dr. Kelvin and our SI Superheroes.
• The Metric Meal (option 2) focuses exclusively on length measurements and uses a multidisciplinary approach to build measurement skills.

Credit: ©2020 U.S. Secretary of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Resources for Grade 6-8

• Metric Estimation Game (SP 1336) - this fun, hands-on activity helps participants become familiar with SI measurements by practicing estimation skills. During this activity, participants will become familiar with using the metric system (International System of Units, SI) measurements on common, everyday items.
• SI Base Units Relationship Poster (SP 1247) (NIST) – a colorful poster illustrating the relationships of the International System of Units (SI) derived units with special names and symbols and the seven traditional base units.
• Kelvin Temperatures and Very Cold Things! (NASA) – To keep track of some of the coldest things in the universe, scientists use the Kelvin temperature scale.
• Building a Thermometer (GLOBE Program) – Build an instrument to measure water temperature.
• Thermometer Model (JavaLab) – A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature. Explore the interactive model. Review thermometers types.

Credit: Adobe Stock

Resources for Grade 3-5

• League of SI Superheroes - Dr. Kelvin
  • This comic book-style video animation series has been developed to help middle school students learn about the 7 SI base measurement units.
• SI Units Card Deck (SP 1297) - this activity offers a fun way to enhance understanding of the International System of Units. (NIST)
• Metric Estimation Game (SP 1336) - this fun, hands-on activity helps participants become familiar with SI measurements by practicing estimation skills. During this activity, participants will become familiar with using the metric system (International System of Units, SI) measurements on common, everyday items.
• Grow Snow Crystals (NOAA SciJinks) – Use a web application to explore how snowflake crystals take shape depending on the temperature (degree Celsius).
• Precipitation Simulator (NOAA SciJinks) – Make it rain and snow using this precipitation simulator by setting the air temperature and dew point (degree Celsius).

Credit: N. Hanacek/NIST

Resources for Grade 9+

• Metric Estimation Game (SP 1336) - this fun, hands-on activity helps participants become familiar with SI measurements by practicing estimation skills. During this activity, participants will become familiar with using the metric system (International System of Units, SI) measurements on common, everyday items.
• Kelvin: Introduction (NIST) – Temperature is one of the most important and ubiquitous measurements in human life. Learn how scientists define the kelvin, the absolute unit of temperature, and why it matters in science.
• How Do You Measure Air Temperature Accurately (NIST HDYMI Series) – For purposes of safety, accuracy and convenience, air temperature is most often measured using electronic thermometers, which detect the changes in the resistance to the flow of electrical current through a metal.
• Culinary Temperature (NIST Metric Kitchen) – Food temperature is key to a successful recipe. Explore oven temperature, common cooking temperatures, candy making temperatures, and safe minimum internal temperatures for a variety of foods.
• Absolutely Hot (Jason Learning) –  Analyze a common chemical reaction. Explore heat and energy and learn how they are measured.

Return to Top of Page

League of SI Superheroes – Dr. Kelvin

This comic book-style video animation series has been developed to help middle school students learn about the 7 SI base measurement units. With the ability to speed up or slow down particles, Dr. Kelvin can measure any temperature. The kelvin temperature scale begins at absolute zero, the coldest possible temperature and the point at which even atoms would stand perfectly still.

Navigate to more SI base unit information

• SI Units
• Fundamental Physical Constants
• Length – meter (m)
• Time – second (s)
• Amount of substance – mole (mole)
• Electric current – ampere (A)
• Luminous intensity – candela (cd)
• Mass – kilogram (kg)

Credit: J. Wang and B. Hayes/NIST ©2020 U.S. Secretary of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Return to Top of Page