Researchers predict that future developments in nanotechnology will bring incredible, almost inconceivable, change to the manufacturing industry. For now, though, one of technology's most trusted tools remains very relevant: In the field of thermometry, thermocouples are a tried and true technology. As a consequence, material on thermocouples should be included throughout the technology education curriculum. By the time students enter a postsecondary technical program, they should know what thermocouples are, where and how they are used and how they work. This article discusses the history, functioning and use of thermocouples. (Contains 4 figures.)