Curated OER
Temperature Changes Everything
Middle school chemists visit interactive websites in order to discover what happens to molecular motion when heat is added to matter. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates the expansion of matter with the addition of heat. A lab...
Curated OER
Changing State
In this changing water states instructional activity, students look at the graphics and then fill in the blanks that pertain to water, ice, and steam. A word bank is provided.
Curated OER
Weather through the Seasons
Students examine the year's cycles by observing the four seasons, their distinctive weather patterns that affect our activities and the weather changes that each brings. The fourteen lessons of this unit offer a good opportunity for the...
Curated OER
Observing Popcorn
Fifth graders discover the process of boiling water and how it is part of the changing of states of matter. They observe a kernel of popcorn pop in a test tube with water and take notes of how the water changes to the form of a gas....
Curated OER
INFRARED OLD FAITHFUL
Students view video clips and still images of Old Faithful and review the main questions and curiosities regarding Old Faithful. They break into groups and take on the roles of explorers and have come upon this interesting geothermal...
Science Museum, London
Science Museum: Energy Hall: The Story of Steam
A virtual exhibition on the history of steam power, with animated images of the first steam engines. Covers the history of coal mining and engine building by millwrights and engineers, and gives biographical information about early...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Steam Machine
Explore NOVA Online's interactive steam engine and discover how this machine can convert heat to mechanical energy.
Other
Detroit Institute of Arts: Think Like an Engineer
In this STEAM lesson, students are immersed in a world of transportation design as they use the design thinking process to create their own vehicle prototype out of everyday materials.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Virtual Professional Learning Series
Our Virtual Professional Learning Series is created for teachers-by teachers-to bring together content experts and educators from all backgrounds. With an emphasis on fun, engaging, accessible, and free tools for classrooms, these...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: History of the Steam Engine
From the Engines of Ingenuity web site. A lengthy page discussing ingenuity and invention as it pertains to steam engine history. Very anecdotal and interesting. Includes biographical information and interesting details about Hero of...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Steam Discharge: An Interdisciplinary Approach
In this Interdisciplinary Field Investigation students will combine science, math, geography, creative writing and art. The setting will be a local stream (site yet to be determined, Minnehaha or Vermillion) where 150 students will...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Hot Spring
This website from the encyclopedia Wikipedia contains a definition for what a hot spring is, and tells how they differ from a geyser. Links are also provided throughout for additional information on related subjects.
Other
Rob's North York Moors Railway: The Steam Locomotive
A page describing the parts of a steam engine and explaining their operation. Thorough discussion of the parts.
Read Works
Read Works: The Industrial Revolution an Introduction
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage shares facts about the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and...
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Merry Poppings
This tutorial from Bill Nye uses an experiment to explain how pressure from steam causes popcorn to pop.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Hero(n) of Alexandria
Describes the life of Hero of Alexandria and discusses Hero's contribution to the development of the steam engine. Text is the actual radio transcript of a syndicated radio broadcast on invention and ingenuity.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: West Virginia Public Broadcasting: West Virginia: Steam & Inspiring West Virginians
West Virginia STEAM is a learning module with a series of videos designed to inspire middle and high school students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. They are produced by West Virginia...
Hunkins Experiments
Hunkin's Experiments: Steam Power
Hunkin's Experiments is a group of simple cartoon illustrations of scientific principles. Some would work well in the classroom, but others have little value beyond entertaining students. All of the projects are easy to do. This one uses...
University of Maryland
U. Of Maryland: Latent Heat: Ice to Water to Steam
A page from the University of Maryland Physics Lecture Demonstration Facility. Provides directions for a teacher demonstration of latent heat in the melting and vaporization process. Shows apparatus and set-up; provides suggestions....
Other
Applied Thermodynamics: Steam Turbine
A steam turbine is defined at Applied Thermodynamics. The individual steps of a steam turbine engine are illustrated and explained.
Other
Footprints Science: Power Station
This animation illustrates how steam is converted into electricity.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Working of a Fusible Plug
Explains how the fusible plug in a steam engine works and why it is essential for safety reasons.
University of Sydney (Australia)
Thermal Physics Module: Heat Engines [Pdf]
The second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy is applied to the topic of heat engines. The Carnot and Stirling engine are discussed. Efficiency is explained and an equation is derived.
Chem Tutor
Chem Tutor: States of Matter
A very descriptive site that allows students to understand the different states of matter at the atomic level. Also discusses the process of phase changes and displays phase change graphs. Thermochemistry is also touched upon for high...