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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Rifting of Pangaea and the Gettysburg Battlefield

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders analyze and interpret an animated model of Earth’s rifting processes.  In this Earth Science lesson, 11th graders connect Earth’s rifting processes with the Earth’s surface in the Gettysburg battlefield. ...
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Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Heat Engine

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Having trouble understanding the energy transfer in heat engines? This simulation allows students to learn about the conversion of heat energy to mechanical energy in the context of heat engine.
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Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Hurricanes: New Tools for Predicting

For Students 9th - 10th
This video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW features new advances in predicting the intensity of hurricanes. [5:49]
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eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: College Physics: The First Law of Thermodynamics

For Students 11th - 12th
An online college physics textbook that explores the first law of thermodynamics by defining the processes of a simple heat engine. Section also describes the difference among isobaric, isochoric, isothermal, and adiabatic. Students will...
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Graphic
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Heat Engine Concepts

For Students 9th - 10th
An indexing page for the HyperPhysics site. The page contains a concept map of links to a variety of other pages which discuss concepts related to heat engines. All pages contain informative graphics and excellent explanations.
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eBook
Simon Fraser University

Chem1 Virtual Textbook: What Is a Heat Engine and Why Should You Care?

For Students 9th - 10th
With an overview of topics related to chemical equilibrium, this site provides a foundation to a study of thermodynamics and heat engines. Other topics covered include the fall of heat, nuclear plants, and more.
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Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Jet Engine

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Wikipedia offers a good definition of "jet engine", then discusses the history of along with various types of jet engines. Links are provided throughout this article for additional information.
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Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Carnot Heat Engine

For Students 9th - 10th
Wikipedia offers information on the Carnot heat engine that uses a particular thermodynamic cycle developed by Nicolas Carnot in 1820.
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Website
Other

Taftan: Applied Thermodynamics

For Students 9th - 10th
A definition of applied thermodynamics, the science of the relationship between heat, work, and systems that analyze energy processes. Related links.
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Website
Other

Rob's North York Moors Railway: The Steam Locomotive

For Students 9th - 10th
A page describing the parts of a steam engine and explaining their operation. Thorough discussion of the parts.
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Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Dipping Bird

For Students 9th - 10th
Get a visual representation of a heat engine by looking at the dipping bird. This activity analyzes the steps of the dipping bird to compare it how a heat engine work.
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Unit Plan
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Hurricanes

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about what it takes to be a hurricane and how hurricane tracking has improved over the years.
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Website
National Inventors Hall of Fame

National Inventors Hall of Fame: Rudolf Diesel

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biographical sketch of Rudolf Diesel. Describes his personal and professional interests. Also discusses the details of the first diesel engine as invented by Rudolf Diesel.
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Handout
Texas Education Agency

Texas Gateway: Thermodynamics: Glossary

For Students 11th - 12th
This is a glossary of terms and definitions used in Chapter 15: Thermodynamics from the AP Physics online text.
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Article
University of Houston

University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Rudolf Diesel

For Students 9th - 10th
An interesting account of Rudolf Diesel and his invention of the diesel engine. The text is the actual transcript of a syndicated radio broadcast called "Engines of Ingenuity." Outstanding information on Diesel and his engine invention.
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Handout
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Physics: Thermal Properties Study Guide

For Students 9th - 10th
A study guide for concepts related to thermal energy.
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Website
Other

Applied Thermodynamics: Heat Engines

For Students 9th - 10th
Forward and reverse heat engines are discussed and explained at this site from Applied Thermodynamics. Diagrams are provided. Efficiency equations are given and discussed.
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Website
Other

Applied Thermodynamics: Steam Turbine

For Students 9th - 10th
A steam turbine is defined at Applied Thermodynamics. The individual steps of a steam turbine engine are illustrated and explained.
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Handout
Other

Applied Thermodynamics: Diesel Cycle

For Students 9th - 10th
The P-V diagram for a diesel cycle is provided and discussed at this site from Applied Thermodynamics. The steps of the thermodynamic cycle are labeled (and defined elsewhere). An equation for thermal efficiency is given.