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Heat Check Thermometer

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Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Heat Check Thermometer Lesson Plan

Students will learn to self-assess their anger on a 1–10 scale using an “anger thermometer,” apply this tool to real-life scenarios, and discuss coping strategies to build emotional regulation skills.

Developing awareness of anger intensity and discussing healthy responses supports self-regulation, reduces classroom disruptions, and fosters a positive learning environment.

Audience

9th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on rating, scenario application, guided discussion

Materials

Anger Thermometer Activity Worksheet, Anger Scenario Cards, Whiteboard and Markers, and Sticky Notes

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

10 minutes

  • Print enough copies of the Anger Thermometer Activity Worksheet for each student
  • Print and cut the Anger Scenario Cards
  • Arrange chart paper or whiteboard space for group debrief
  • Review scenarios and discussion prompts to anticipate student responses

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Ask students to brainstorm times they’ve felt angry and share one example briefly
  • Introduce the concept of measuring anger like temperature: low (1–3), moderate (4–7), high (8–10)
  • Note key words on the whiteboard (e.g., irritated, frustrated, enraged)

Step 2

Introduce the Anger Thermometer

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Anger Thermometer Activity Worksheet
  • Model how to rate an emotion on the 1–10 scale with a sample scenario
  • Explain that this helps recognize warning signs and choose coping strategies early

Step 3

Individual Rating Activity

10 minutes

  • Give each student 4–5 Anger Scenario Cards at random
  • Instruct students to read each card and mark their anger level on the worksheet
  • Encourage quick thinking—students write the number and one brief reason for their rating

Step 4

Pair Discussion

5 minutes

  • Have students pair up and compare their ratings for one scenario
  • Prompt them to discuss why their levels differ and what cues influenced them
  • Ask partners to suggest one self-calming strategy for each other

Step 5

Group Debrief

5 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share insights: surprising ratings or effective strategies
  • Record top coping strategies on the whiteboard
  • Emphasize how early recognition (lower on the scale) makes self-regulation easier
  • Close by encouraging students to use the thermometer in real situations
lenny

Slide Deck

Heat Check Thermometer

• Objective: Learn to rate anger on a 1–10 scale
• Apply ratings to real scenarios
• Share coping strategies to stay cool under pressure

Welcome students and introduce today’s activity. Explain that we will learn to measure and manage anger using a simple 1–10 “anger thermometer.”

Warm-Up Discussion

• Think of a time you felt angry
• Share one quick example
• On the board, list words for low (1–3), moderate (4–7), high (8–10) anger

Guide the warm‐up: ask for volunteer examples, capture keywords on the board, and introduce the low/moderate/high scale concept.

Introducing the Anger Thermometer

• Distribute your worksheet
• Review the 1–10 scale: low → mild irritation, high → intense rage
• Model rating a sample scenario and explain your choice

Hand out the Anger Thermometer Activity Worksheet. Model one example scenario and show how to pick a number and a brief reason.

Individual Rating Activity

• Each student: pick 4–5 scenario cards
• Read each card and mark your anger level
• Write the number and one short reason for your choice

Distribute 4–5 scenario cards to each student. Circulate to ensure quick, honest ratings and reasons are recorded.

Pair Discussion

• Compare your rating for one scenario
• Discuss why your levels differ
• Suggest one self-calming strategy for your partner

Pair students up. Prompt them to compare ratings and discuss why their anger levels differed. Encourage them to suggest one calming technique to each other.

Group Debrief

• Volunteers share surprising ratings or reasons
• List effective coping strategies on the board
• Highlight early detection (lower ratings) makes calming easier

Lead a whole-class debrief. Invite volunteers to share surprises or insights. Record top strategies on the board and emphasize early recognition.

Key Coping Strategies

• Deep breathing or counting to ten
• Taking a short walk or break
• Talking it out with a trusted friend
• Refocusing on a positive image or memory

Summarize by reinforcing that noticing anger early and using healthy strategies helps maintain control. Encourage students to use their thermometer in real life.

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Worksheet

Anger Thermometer Activity Worksheet

Anger Thermometer Scale

Use the scale below to rate how angry each scenario makes you feel.
1 😌 Calm ───────────────────────── 10 😡 Furious

Scenarios

For each situation:
• Circle or write your anger rating (1–10)
• Explain in one or two sentences why you chose that number.

  1. Your friend spreads a rumor about you.
    My Anger Rating (1–10): ________
    Reason for Rating:


  2. You get stuck in traffic on the way to an important appointment and start running late.
    My Anger Rating (1–10): ________
    Reason for Rating:


  3. A teammate blames you for losing the game, even though it wasn’t your fault.
    My Anger Rating (1–10): ________
    Reason for Rating:


  4. Your phone or computer crashes right before you submit a big project.
    My Anger Rating (1–10): ________
    Reason for Rating:


  5. A family member eats the meal you were saving for later.
    My Anger Rating (1–10): ________
    Reason for Rating:


Discussion Questions

Answer in complete sentences.

  1. Think of a time you rated a scenario above 7. What physical and emotional cues did you notice in yourself?











  2. What is one coping strategy you can use when your anger level reaches a 5 on your thermometer?





  3. Why do you think recognizing anger early (when your rating is lower) can help you calm down more effectively?





Keep this worksheet handy and use your anger thermometer whenever you feel your temperature rising!

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lenny

Activity

Anger Scenario Cards

Cut these cards apart so each student can draw 4–5 at random for the Individual Rating Activity.

  1. Your sibling borrows and loses your favorite clothing item without asking.
  2. A close friend cancels plans with you at the last minute.
  3. You receive a grade lower than expected on an assignment you studied hard for.
  4. A teammate refuses to pass you the ball during a game.
  5. A classmate teases you in front of others.
  6. Someone cuts in line while you’ve been waiting.
  7. Your phone or computer restarts and you lose unsaved work.
  8. A group member doesn’t contribute to a project you all will be graded on.
  9. Your parent makes you do extra chores before letting you go out with friends.
  10. A cashier gives you the wrong change and blames you for the mistake.
  11. A driver cuts you off in traffic and then speeds away.
  12. Your little sibling pokes or teases you repeatedly after you’ve asked them to stop.
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