Curated OER
Light Can Heat Too!
Third graders explore absorption and reflection of light energy. In this solar energy lesson, 3rd graders explore how light energy transfers to heat energy through the construction of a solar water heater. Students will discuss and...
Cornell University
Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
The heat of solution measures how much thermal energy a dissolving substance consumes or gives off. The experiment demonstrates both endothermic and exothermic reactions. Scholars dissolve several substances, measure the temperature...
Curated OER
Conduction, Convection and Radiation
Sixth graders listen to descriptions of types of heat to gain background knowledge In this heat instructional activity, 6th graders perform experiments to understand various types of heat transfer (convection, conduction and radiation.)...
Curated OER
How Effective is Perspiration at Cooling?
Students collect data on the cooling of water in two different test tubes, one that is wrapped in wet newspaper and one in dry newspaper. They then relate this cooling effect to the body's perspiration.
Curated OER
Interesting Temperatures Quiz
In this interesting temperatures quiz activity, students complete an on-line game, clicking on questions and matching answer cards and scoring 1 point per correct answer. Printable version available also.
Curated OER
Investigating the Climate System: Energy, A Balancing Act
Earth science explorers design an experiment to demonstrate that the albedo of a surface affects its temperature. They test to find out if moisture on the surface affects temperature. They discover whether or not concrete or asphalt heat...
American Chemical Society
Preparation and Combustion of Biodiesel
The United States is the world's largest producer of biofuel. During an in-class investigation, young scientists produce their own biodiesel. They burn a sample of it to determine the heat of combustion. Then they discuss the results...
It's About Time
Renewable Energy Sources - Solar and Wind
There has been a huge solar energy spill! Let's go outside to play in it. This lesson includes multiple experiments showcasing solar and wind energies. Scholars build a solar heater and an anemometer before testing the results. The...
Rice University
College Physics for AP® Courses
Take a look at an organized physics course. The 34-section electronic textbook covers material in AP® Physics 1 and 2. Teachers use the text to supplement lectures and have the class work through the labs. Each section contains multiple...
Curated OER
Weather and Oceans: Uneven Heating of the Earth
Learners investigate what causes the heat on Earth. In this Earth heating lesson, students experiment with different heat sources and determine where the Earth gathers the most heat. Learners explore vocabulary words associated with...
Curated OER
Adhesion of Caulks to Surface - Testing Product Quality
Students investigate quality products. In this Physical Science lesson plan, students will test three different types of caulking. The students are looking for the caulk with the best adhesion after two days of curing.
Curated OER
Molecular Movement in Water Part 1- Diffusion
Students obseve and compare molecular movement within water at various temperatures and of varying salinity. They discuss the movement of water on a larger scale which can affect the movement and concentrations of microbial populations...
Curated OER
Energy Changes, Rates of Reactions, Nuclear Chemistry
In this energy changes, rates of reactions and nuclear chemistry learning exercise, students solve 14 problems to review concepts about endothermic and exothermic reactions, heat of combustion, heat of reactions, enthalpy, kinetic and...
Curated OER
Radiation and Color
Tenth graders explore the relationship between color and heat absorption by measuring the temperature change of water in differently colored test tubes as they are exposed to a heat lamp. They work in small groups to collect data and...
Curated OER
The "Clock Reaction" Kinetics Lab
Students investigate the effects of temperature and concentration on the rate of reactions. In this "clock reaction" kinetics lesson plan, students change the concentration of one reactant and keep the second constant. An indicator is...
Curated OER
Solar Cooker Challenge
Students use the scientific method to design a slow cooker. For this experimental method lesson students measure temperatures and conversions of the solar cooker that they create.
Virginia Department of Education
Heat and Thermal Energy Transfer
How does radiation affect our daily lives? Answer that question and others with a lesson that discusses radiation and its use in thermal energy transfer through electromagnetic waves. Pupils investigate vaporization and evaporation while...
American Chemical Society
Exothermic, Endothermic, and Chemical Change
Scientists can't observe bonds breaking or forming, so how do they distinguish between exothermic and endothermic reactions? Young scholars complete two experiments to do just that. They monitor temperature change and calculate the...
NOAA
Are You Climate Literate?: Play the Essential Principles Challenge
Installment eight of the 10-part Discover Your Changing World series tests the class's understanding of climate. Scholars play alone or in small groups to assess their understanding of climate systems, causes of climate change, and...
Curated OER
Sports Helmets and Impact Testing of Polymers
Students examine the importance of good quality safety gear. In this investigative instructional activity, students will tests various polymers, collect data, and analyze the data to determine which polymer is best for safety helmets....
Curated OER
Water Quality Testing
Student explore factors affecting ecosystems. They test local water samples for pH level. After creating a methodology for data collection, they collect data, compare results, and draw conclusions based upon results.
Curated OER
SAT Problem Solving Practice Test
In this problem solving practice test, students select the best answer from 4 choices to ten questions. Questions are word problems and cover a variety of topics.
Curated OER
Combustion In a Test Tube
Students investigate a combustion reaction. In this combustion lesson plan, students mix dry yeast with hydrogen peroxide in a test tube. They place a glowing splint in the test tube and observe the combustion reaction as the splint...
Purdue University
Field Trip Snack Holder
Is light related to insulation? An informative hands-on STEM activity demonstrates how light affects temperature. First, the class investigates how light passes through different mediums and how that relates to temperature. Then,...