Curated OER
Heat Misconceptions
Third graders determine that gloves do not provide heat, but rather, they insulate or hold in any heat that is in their hand. They discuss the different temperatures found in ecosystems around the world. What do animals that live in...
Curated OER
Thermodynamics
In this thermodynamics instructional activity, students learn about insulators and conductors. Students compare the three ways thermal energy is transferred: conduction, convection, and radiation. This instructional activity has 22...
Curated OER
Keeping Warm
Students experiment with thermal insulators. In this heat transfer lesson, students predict and then measure heat loss from a cup of water using different materials as insulators. Students complete a line graph to display their results.
Curated OER
Elementary Concepts in Heat
Third graders read a thermometer with accuracy, record observations and data, and infer conceptual meaning. They integrate mathematical charting and graphing skills to organize their data. They explore what happens when they touch or use...
Curated OER
The Magic School Bus In the Arctic
Students learn along with Ms. Frizzle's class. In this Magic School Bus lesson plan, students explore how insulation works to keep in body heat.
Curated OER
Baking Ice Cream
Learners discover the concept of an insulator. In this science experiment lesson, students follow the directions for baking ice cream. When baking is completed, learners observe the results and answer questions on the provided worksheet.
Curated OER
AP Chemistry Thermochemistry 2
In this thermochemistry instructional activity, students solve a variety of problems including finding heats or reactions, determining specific heats of substances, finding the amount of energy released in a calorimeter determining the...
DiscoverE
Keep-a-Cube
Waxed paper, newspaper, or aluminum foil? Keeping an ice cube from melting may require one or more of these materials. Learners design a box that will provide insulation so an ice cube stays intact for at least 90 minutes.
Discovery Education
Cool It!
Adjust the melting time of ice without varying the temperature! Learners experiment with different materials to decide how the materials affect the rate an ice cube melts. They then connect their findings to the conductivity of each...
Curated OER
IPC Physics
In this physics review worksheet, students compare inertia and momentum, insulators and conductors, and series and parallel circuits. Students review Newton's laws. This worksheet has 20 fill in the blank, 12 matching, and 20 problems to...
Curated OER
Insulation-Black and White
Eighth graders construct 2 different model homes out of manila folders in order to examine how heat is transferred by means of radiation and convection. Activity allows students to interpret how different colors or material affect the...
Curated OER
Specific Heat and Insulation
Students measure the air and soil temperatures at designated times. They graph the temperatures of each on one piece of graph paper with different colors. Students compare the information for the two line plots and analyze their results...
Curated OER
Insulators
Sixth graders examine properties of four types of spoons, record observations, and apply their knowledge by designing the perfect hot chocolate cup.
DiscoverE
At Home: Keep a Cube Activity
Let cooler heads prevail. Future engineers first learn about heat transfer and insulation. They then design and build a contraption that will prevent an ice cube from melting for as long as possible.
DiscoverE
Aviary Architect
Groups of two to four work collaboratively to engineer a birdhouse that will stay cool in the summer heat. Teams examine several different-colored roofs, testing the efficiency of each with a heat lamp. Then, groups sketch their ideas,...
Doing Maths
Insulating the House
Finding the area of a rectangle is the focus of this metric worksheet. Here, mathematicians use their knowledge of finding the area of a shape in meters to discover how much material can fit inside a shape.
Curated OER
Keep It Cool
Students complete a science experiment to study insulation, heat transfer, and permafrost. In this permafrost study lesson, students design and test a soda insulator. Students graph their class data and discuss the results. Students...
Curated OER
Transfer of Thermal Energy
In this thermal energy worksheet, learners will explore different ways heat is transferred including conduction and convection. Students will look at how insulators work and how room temperature can affect heat transfer. This worksheet...
Curated OER
Warm and Toasty
Students are introduced to the concepts of specific heat and heat capacity. In groups, they design an experiment to test these two topics on various fabrics. They compare and contrast the amount of heat loss on the different materials...
Curated OER
Converting Energy
Students explore the concepts of energy transformation and conversion. They engage in Internet and hands-on activities. Students visit the Atoms Family Website and complete a Building a Better Pyramid activity by adding insulation to...
Curated OER
Calorimetry Lab
In this calorimetry lab, students apply the information read about a calorimeter to conduct a scientific investigation. Students record their data in a chart. Students use the information from the chart to calculate specific heat of...
Curated OER
Breaker Breaker
Young scholars create a model of a circuit breaker to help them explain how friction causes heat, and how current is carried.
Curated OER
Make a Refrigerator
Third graders explore the concept of heat transfer as experienced in wearing winter clothing and analyzing the refrigerator.