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The Magic School Bus in the Arctic: A Book About Heat

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What you will learn from this video: Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another. Heating can occur by conduction, convection and radiation. Some materials can store more thermal energy than others.

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What you will learn from this video: Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another. Heating can occur by conduction, convection and radiation. Some materials can store more thermal energy than others.

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Bill Nye the Science Guy explains heat energy.

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Bill Nye the Science Guy explains heat energy.

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The Magic School Bus  "In The Arctic" (heat)

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The Magic School Bus  "In The Arctic" (heat)

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The Magic School Bus S03E02 In The Arctic (Heat)

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The Magic School Bus S03E02 In The Arctic (Heat)

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Heat is the transfer of energy from objects of different temperatures. As objects warm-up or cool down their kinetic energy changes. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. In this video, the author focuses on three ways heat can be transferred,Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.

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Heat is the transfer of energy from objects of different temperatures. As objects warm-up or cool down their kinetic energy changes. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. In this video, the author focuses on three ways heat can be transferred,Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.

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A variety of heat transfer experiments can be conducted quickly and without the need for expensive materials

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A variety of heat transfer experiments can be conducted quickly and without the need for expensive materials

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Heat transfer projects are an exciting and engaging choice for your next STEM activity. Kids love the hands on nature of these projects. Plus they offer a lot of practical life skills. Like how to build a natural solar heater or how to slow heat loss, or how to make a slurpee with science! By Shelley

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Heat transfer projects are an exciting and engaging choice for your next STEM activity. Kids love the hands on nature of these projects. Plus they offer a lot of practical life skills. Like how to build a natural solar heater or how to slow heat loss, or how to make a slurpee with science! By Shelley

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Heat transfer projects are an exciting and engaging choice for your next STEM activity. Kids love the hands on nature of these projects. Plus they offer a lot of practical life skills. Like how to build a natural solar heater or how to slow heat loss, or how to make a slurpee with science!

Science Fair Heat Transfer Experiments

Heat Transfer Science & Definitions

Before jumping into a bunch of Heat Transfer Projects it's a good idea to chat about the science behind these experiments.

Heat Energy is often called thermal energy. Thermal energy is present in the molecules of an object. When an object is hot the molecules have a lot of energy and move fast. When an object is cold, the molecules have little energy and move slowly.

One thing to keep in mind, is that the faster molecules are moving, the more space they take up. The Bottle Crush experiment below is a fantastic way to demonstrate this principle.

How is Heat Transferred?

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that heat will always move from a hot object to a cooler one. Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy as it transfers from one object to another or between an object and it's surroundings. Thermal energy will naturally work towards a state of balance or equilibrium. This is known as thermal equilibrium, where two objects or an object and it's surroundings achieve the same level of heat energy (thermal energy).

Keep in mind the greater the difference in temperature the more rapid the transfer of heat. The Mpemba Effect is a great way to explore this principle in water.

What Is The Difference Between Heat And Temperature?

It's important not to confuse Heat and Temperature. Heat refers to the energy present in the molecules of an object (picture how fast those molecules are moving). Heat is affected by the speed of the particles, the number of particles (including their size or mass), and the type of particles. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in an object and is not affected by the number or size of the molecules. Heat and temperature are directly related to each other, but not the same thing.

Picture a steaming mug of coffee, now picture a bathtub filled with the same steaming coffee. The temperature is the same, but the thermal energy is higher in the tub because there is more coffee.
In a nutshell, heat is energy. Temperature is a measurement of that energy.
So with these heat transfer projects we are exploring the transfer of energy, with temperature being a common method of measurement and quantification of the results.

HEAT TRANSFER PROJECTS AND EXPERIMENTS

Science Fair Worthy Projects

Starlite Material Thermal Insulating Science Experiments
This project is absolutely fascinating and would make an amazing science fair project for middle grade. Our Starlite recipe uses ingredients that you probably already have and it provides incredible thermal protection from heat transfer. We tested it a number of different ways, and each was utterly fascinating!

Exploring Solar Heat and Passive Solar Energy Project
This activity uses recycled materials to develop a solar chimney. Using the energy from the sun, it is transferred to the air inside the chimney, heating the air.

Solar Updraft Tower
This is one of the projects on our to do list. Our sun is too weak at this time of year in the North, so we are waiting until the seasons change, but soon! For now check out this very cool project.

Why Does Water Rise?
This activity is like magic and a great example of how rapid changes in heat energy and temperature can create a vacuum.

MORE FUN HEAT TRANSFER PROJECTS
Colour Changing Magic Playdough
A wow worthy project making playdough that changes colour as you play, simply from the heat of your hands, or by using chilled or warmed objects. This Magic Playdough Recipe is so cool!
Heat Sensitive Colour Changing Oobleck
Looking to add some non-Newtonian Fluid demonstrations to your heat transfer lessons? Try this fun Colour Changing Oobleck that changes colours from the warmth of your hands, especially as you work it to keep it in a solid state. But release it and watch as it turns to liquid, flowing from your hands and changes colour as it flows. A fantastic demonstration of heat transfer and non-Newtonian fluids.

Magic Moon Dough:Heat Sensitive Coloring Changing
This luxurious sensory activity is absolutely mesmerizing. As you play with the silky feeling moon dough it will change colour from your touch, just like magic! Takes only minutes to make and provides hours of play.

MORE SCIENCE & LEARNING FUN!

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Heat Transfer Projects For Kids - STEM Activities

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These Heat Transfer Projects For Kids provide lots of hands-on STEM activities to promote understanding of the laws of thermodynamics and how heat transfers from one object or place to another. Explore everything from solar heat to the Mpemba effect in this study of heat transfer.

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Students can learn about Energy Changes and Transfers With Three Fun Experiments.

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Students can learn about Energy Changes and Transfers With Three Fun Experiments.

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Heat transfer experiments can be exciting and engaging. Heat Energy is often called thermal energy. Thermal energy is present in the molecules of an object. When an object is hot the molecules have a lot of energy and move fast. When an object is cold, the molecules have little energy and move slowly.

Thermal energy transfer involves the transfer of internal energy. The three types of thermal energy transfer are:

Conduction involves direct contact of atoms, convection involves the movement of warm particles and radiation involves the movement of electromagnetic waves.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that heat will always move from a hot object to a cooler one. Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy as it transfers from one object to another or between an object and its surroundings. Thermal energy will naturally work towards a state of balance or equilibrium. This is known as thermal equilibrium, where two objects or an object and its surroundings achieve the same level of heat energy (thermal energy).

The Bottle Crush experiment below is a fantastic fun way to demonstrate this principle.

Bottle Crush Experiment

Objective

This lesson demonstrates the relationships between temperature, volume, and pressure. Students use water with different temperatures to physically change a plastic bottle. The lesson can be extended to address energy and energy transfer.

Required Equipment

Empty 2 litre plastic bottle with lid

6-8 cups of Ice

1/2 cup Boiling Water

8×11 pan

Pitcher of Ice Water

The Steps

Step 1 - Fill the 8×11 pan with ice.
Step 2 - Run the empty pop bottle, with the cap off, under hot water for a minute.
Step 3 - Then put on the cap and place the bottle in a pan of iced water
Step 4 - Slowly pour the pitcher of ice water onto the bottle.
Step 5 - Stand the bottle up and observe what happens. The plastic bottle has been crushed in.

How Does the Experiment Work?

Once the hot boiling water was placed in the bottle, it heated up the air inside the bottle. When we put the cap on the bottle, the hot air was trapped inside.

When we then placed the bottle in the ice and poured the cold water on it, the air inside the bottle began to cool down. Cool air exerts less pressure than hot air, therefore the air pressure inside the bottle begins to decrease.

The air pressure inside the bottle decreased to the point where it was less than the air pressure outside the bottle. Therefore the pushing in was greater than the pressure pushing out, causing the bottle to be crushed.

Coloured Coffee Cups Experiment

Here's another fun and easy experiment, the Coloured Coffee Cups. This experiment demonstrates radiation. For this you will just need two white coffee cups with one painted matt black on the outside, hot water, two insulating lids with holes for thermometers and stirrers, thermometers and a darkened room.

Run hot water from a tap for a minute or two, until it reaches its maximum temperature.

Fill the cups with hot water and put in the stirrer and then cover each with its lid and move them to a dark, cool room.

Place a thermometer in each one and wait 20 minutes.

Stir the water in each cup and read each thermometer in each cup and compare the temperatures for each colour.

Outcome:

The darkest colour should read the coolest because, just as they are better at absorbing heat energy, they also radiate heat energy more efficiently than lighter colours.

Colourful Convection Currents Experiment

For our third experiment suggestion let's take a look at invisible convection currents with our Colourful Convection Currents experiment.

Required Equipment

2 Bottles

Blue and Yellow food colouring

A Playing card

Masking Tape

Marker Pen

The Steps

Step 1 - Fill two of the bottles with hot water from the tap and the other two bottles with cold water. Use masking tape and a pen to label the bottles "HOT" and "COLD."

Step 2 - Use yellow food colouring in the warm water and blue food colouring in the cold water. Each bottle must be filled to the brim with water.

Step 3 - Your first observation will be what happens when the bottle filled with hot water sits on top of the bottle filled with cold water. To do this, place the card over the mouth of a hot water bottle (the yellow water). This can be a little tricky, but with practice you'll get it. Useful tip: (practice doing this with two bottles of ordinary water before trying the coloured one) Hold the card in place as you turn the bottle upside down and place it on top of a cold-water bottle (the blue water). The two bottles should be positioned so that they are mouth-to-mouth with the card separating the two liquids.

Step 4- Carefully slide the card out from between the two bottles. Make sure you are holding the top bottle as you remove the card. Watch what happens to the coloured liquids in the two bottles with the card removed.

Step 5 - The second part of the experiment is similar to the first. This time, you need to place the cold water (blue) on top of the hot water (yellow). Repeat Steps 3 and 4 and carefully remove the card. Watch what happens this time.

Outcomes:

Hot air balloons rise because warm air in a balloon is lighter and less dense than cold air. Similarly, warm water is lighter or less dense than cold water. When the bottle of warm water is placed on top of the cold water, the more dense cold water stays in the bottom bottle and the less dense warm water is confined to the top bottle. However, when the cold water bottle sits on top of the warm water bottle, the less dense warm water rises into the top bottle and the cold water sinks into the bottom bottle. The movement of the water is clearly seen as the yellow and blue food colouring's mix, creating a green liquid. The movement of the warm and cold water inside the bottles is referred to as a convection current.
Lascells and Energy Lascells has been manufacturing equipment for science education from its factory in the UK for more than 20 years. We pride ourselves on quality, customer service and meeting the needs of a demanding subject. Help your students prepare for a career in science and engineering through hands on practical experimentation.

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Energy Change and Transfer - Three Fun Experiments For Schools

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Heat transfer experiments can be exciting and engaging. Heat Energy is often called thermal energy. Thermal energy is present in the molecules of an object. When an object is hot the molecules have a lot of energy and move fast. When an object is cold, the molecules have little energy and move slowly.

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Chocolate experiment on heat energy (in worksheet form).

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Chocolate experiment on heat energy (in worksheet form).

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A quick, easy, and fun science experiment to teach the concept of heat energy.

This would also make for a good back to school science experiment.

One student page is included and teacher directions.

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A quick, easy, and fun science experiment to teach the concept of heat energy. This would also make for a good back to school science experiment. One student page is included and teacher directions. ...

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Students learn about the three different modes of heat transfer—convection, conduction, radiation—and how they are related to the Sun and life on our planet. Includes a student worksheet for data collection and graphing.

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Students learn about the three different modes of heat transfer—convection, conduction, radiation—and how they are related to the Sun and life on our planet. Includes a student worksheet for data collection and graphing.

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Summary Through a teacher demonstration using water, heat and food coloring, students see how convection moves the energy of the Sun from its core outwards. Students learn about the three different modes of heat transfer-convection, conduction, radiation-and how they are related to the Sun and life on our planet. Includes a student worksheet for data collection and graphing.
This engineering curriculum aligns to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Engineering Connection

Engineers design measuring devices to record changes in density and temperature on the Sun. By observing the Sun we can learn about what is happening under the surface and how heat is moving through the Sun. Heat transfer also occurs on Earth and engineers need to understand the different modes in order to build devices and structures that do not overheat or get too cold.

Learning Objectives

After this activity, students should be able to:

Define the three different modes of heat transfer.

Explain how heat gets from the Sun to Earth.

Give one example of why engineers need to understand heat transfer.

Educational Standards

Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.

All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).

In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.

NGSS Performance Expectation

Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation

This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:

Science & Engineering Practices

Disciplinary Core Ideas

Crosscutting Concepts

Make observations to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a phenomenon or test a design solution.

Energy can be moved from place to place by moving objects or through sound, light, or electric currents. Energy is present whenever there are moving objects, sound, light, or heat. When objects collide, energy can be transferred from one object to another, thereby changing their motion. In such collisions, some energy is typically also transferred to the surrounding air; as a result, the air gets heated and sound is produced. Light also transfers energy from place to place. Energy can also be transferred from place to place by electric currents, which can then be used locally to produce motion, sound, heat, or light. The currents may have been produced to begin with by transforming the energy of motion into electrical energy.

Energy can be transferred in various ways and between objects.

Suggest an alignment not listed above

Materials List

To share with the entire class (teacher demonstration):

clear baking dish (ideal: 8x8 inch [20x20 cm] PyrexTM baking dish)

6 or more dictionaries or thick text books

portable heat source, such as a small burner, can of SternoTM, propane or small warming candle in a fireproof holder

fireproof surface

water

food coloring (orange works well)

glitter

digital thermometer

Heat Transfer Worksheet, one per person

Worksheets and Attachments
Visit [www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_solar_lesson02_activity1] to print or download.

Pre-Req Knowledge

Familiarity with the Sun's composition, layers and importance as Earth's energy source, as provided in the Blazing Gas lesson of this Solar System unit.

Introduction/Motivation

Can heat move? Of course it can. Heat (energy) travels in three ways: convention, conduction and radiation. Conduction works by direct contact of two materials. This is what happens when a pot is placed on the stove. First the stove material is heated. Then the heat is transferred by conduction to the pot, which is in direct contact with the hot stove. Convection works through the interaction of fluid molecules such as air or water. Convection typically occurs when a hot fluid or gas moves upward. Radiation works through the movement of heat waves. This is similar to light and radio waves.

So, how does heat get from the Sun to Earth? Conduction and convection require a material (either solid, liquid or gas) to be present. (Emphasize: Since there is no matter in space between the Sun and Earth, all the heat from the Sun comes to us in the form of radiation.) Inside the Sun is matter and therefore other forms of heat transfer are at work. The Sun uses two methods to transport energy out from the interior. The first is radiation. Radiation begins in the Sun's core. In the Sun's radiation zone, heat from the core travels as electromagnetic waves (radiation) outwards to the Sun's convective zone. Convection currents are currents created when there are differences in temperature and density. (Emphasize: Warmer liquids and gasses are less dense and therefore float (or rise) when in cooler liquids and gasses.) ) As this warmer gas (or liquid) rises, cooler gas (or liquid) moves to take its place where it is heated. This is called a convection current. Convection currents swirl the energy until it passes through to the Sun's photosphere.

Cooling yourself with a fan is an example of convection.

When the Sun's energy (in the form of radiation) hits our planet's atmosphere, some of it reflects off while some of it heats up the air, water and land. Once the material that makes up the Earth and its atmosphere is heated, it can move around the globe through convection and conduction. Heat loss through a wall is an example of conduction. Insulation limits conduction and keeps the heat inside your house. Cooling yourself with a fan is an example of convection. Convection is the reason it feels colder on a windy day.

Engineers must understand how heat moves so that the devices they build do not get too hot or too cold. What would happen if an engineer did not make sure there was insulation in the walls of your house? It would be very cold inside on a winter day because the heat could escape through conduction. What would happen if the cord to an appliance did not have an insulated covering on it? The wire would be exposed and the electricity running through it could hurt someone or start a fire. What would happen if an engineer wrapped an engine in insulation? The heat generated by the engine would not be able to get out and the engine would overheat.

Examples of convection, conduction and radiation on the Sun and on Earth.

Table 1 provides examples of convection, conduction and radiation on the Sun and on Earth. It may be helpful to draw the table on the board as a way to graphically organize and distinguish the concepts.

Procedure

Before the Activity

With the Students

1. Explain to students the three different modes of heat transfer (radiation, conduction and convection). Refer to examples in Table 1.

2. Have students write their heat transfer definitions on the worksheet, with an example of each that they have experienced or seen in their own lives.

3. Tell students that they will be recording observations and data on their worksheets to use in making a bar graph at the end of the demonstration.

4. Make sure all students can see the demonstration and that, for safety, no student is too close to the flame.

5. Place the baking dish on two piles of dictionaries that are high enough and far enough apart to place a fireproof plate and sternoTM can (or warming candle) under the baking dish (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Convection demonstration set up.

1. Pour cool water into the baking dish.

2. Make sure the table is very still so that the water does not move. Take the temperature of the water in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Have students record the temperature. Repeat the temperature several times so all students have time to record the temperature on their worksheets (a volunteer may want to keep track on the board).

3. Carefully light the heat source. Drop a few drops of food coloring and some glitter into the water. It works best to drop the glitter and food coloring into the water directly above the heat source.

4. Take the temperature of the water in Celsius or Fahrenheit at two-minute intervals. Be sure to take the temperature in roughly the same location in the dish every time. What is happening to the glitter as the water gets hotter? Have students record the temperatures.

5. The heat source should slowly heat the water in the middle of the baking dish. The food coloring helps students observe the movement of the water.

6. The glitter flows from the high heat in the center to the outsides where it is cooler. Convection transfers heat (energy) by currents of gas or liquid. (It may help to have students get up and walk past the demonstration so that they can get a closer look.)

7. Have students record their observations on the worksheet.

Explain to students that their evaluation will be graded on how thoroughly and accurately they record the demonstration.

Have students make a bar graph of the temperature. What do they notice about the temperature? (The water temperature should show an increase.)

Conclude by reviewing the learning objectives. Clarify any questions and conduct the post-activity assessment in the Assessment section. Review the ways that heat moves.

Conduction = by direct contact of two materials

Convection = by the interaction of fluid molecules (such as air or water)

Radiation = by the movement of heat waves.

Vocabulary/Definitions

conduction: The transfer of heat from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature by increased kinetic energy moving from molecule to molecule.

convection: Transfer of heat in a fluid (liquid or gas) when higher-temperature fluid expands and moves, creating heat transfer.

density: The compactness of matter described by a ratio of mass (or weight) per unit volume.

radiation: The transfer of heat from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature by greater emission of radiant energy from the region of higher temperature.

Assessment

Pre-Activity Assessment

Discussion Questions: Ask students what they know about heat movement. Can heat move? If it can, how does it move? Introduce the concepts of conduction, convection and radiation. How many things in your kitchen are designed to take advantage or protect you from the three ways of heat transfer? When do they see these kinds of heat transfer in their daily lives? Real-life examples: Sunburn is radiation from the Sun moving 93 million miles (150 million km) through space to heat your skin. The outside of a mug of hot cocoa is warm because the heat in the liquid is moving to the outside of the mug through conduction. The fact that the water on the surface of a swimming pool is warmer than the water in the deep parts is caused by convection.

Activity Embedded Assessment

Voting: Before starting the class demonstration, ask the students to vote on the following question. Tally votes on the board. Tell the students that the question will be answered during the demonstration.

When you heat a container of water, does the water move or stay still?

Post-Activity Assessment

Numbered Heads: Divide the class into teams of three to five students each. Have the students on each team number off so each member has a different number. Ask the students a question and give them a time frame for solving it (~one minute). The members of each team should work together to answer the question. Everyone on the team must know the answer. Call a number at random. Students with that number should raise their hands. If not all the students with that number raise their hands, give the teams a little more time. Ask the students:

Name one of the three types of heat transfer methods. (Answer: Conduction, convection, radiation.)

Heat moves from the Sun to the Earth through conduction. (Answer: False, conduction only occurs when there is matter in which to travel.)

Heat cannot move. (Answer: False, it moves all the time.)

A liquid or gas that is moving because of heat is called convection. (Answer: True)

Why do engineers need to understand the methods of heat transfer? (Possible answers: Engineers must understand heat transfer so they can design products and devices that work well and are safe. Think of things in your house or school that get hot or get cold, or keep something from getting hot or cold. For example, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners, cookware, cooking utensils, curling irons, fans, light bulbs, music players, engines, insulation, pools, water heaters, sunscreen, airplanes, satellites, spacecraft, etc.)

Graphing: Have the students create a scatter plot of temperature vs. time using the data from the Heat Transfer Worksheet.

Safety Issues

Have the students stand back a safe distance from the heating element.

Troubleshooting Tips

It works best to drop the glitter and food coloring from directly above the heat source.

If the water takes a long time to heat, either lower the dish or remove some water.

Activity Extensions

Take temperature measurements at several different heights above the surface of the water so the students can see how the temperature changes as you move away from the Sun. Have them draw a picture of the experiment and color code the temperatures at different locations.

Assign student pairs different rooms of a house or school, or different venues or activities, such as stores, recreation centers, transportation, cooking or sports. Give them each 15 minutes to brainstorm a list of engineer-designed devices or products that would be found in that place or activity, in which understanding the three ways of heat transfer was important for them to work. Have the student teams report back to the entire class on their findings.

Activity Scaling

For younger students, create the bar graph as a class activity on the classroom board.

For older students, have them convert their data to a different temperature scale, or use two thermometers to record data from both scales.

References

Kagen, Spencer. Cooperative Learning. San Juan Capistrano, CA: Kagan Cooperative Learning, 1994. (Source for Numbered Heads assessment)

Wilson, Jim (editor). NASA. Last updated January 12, 2007. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Accessed January 15, 2007. http://www.nasa.gov/

Copyright © 2006 by Regents of the University of Colorado

Contributors Jessica Todd; Geoffrey Hill; Jessica Butterfield; Denise W. Carlson

Supporting Program Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder

Acknowledgements

The contents of this digital library curriculum were developed under grants from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education, and National Science Foundation (GK-12 grant no 0338326). However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the Department of Education or National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Last modified: January 23, 2021

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Our Sun and Heat Transfer Basics: Heat It Up! - Activity

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Through a teacher demonstration using water, heat and food coloring, students see how convection moves the energy of the Sun from its core outwards. Students learn about the three different modes of heat transfer-convection, conduction, radiation-and how they are related to the Sun and life on our planet.

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These great resources from Amy Cowen use these free STEM activities help students explore thermal energy and heat science.

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These great resources from Amy Cowen use these free STEM activities help students explore thermal energy and heat science.

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By Amy Cowen on May 12, 2020 1:00 PM
Use these free STEM activities help students explore thermal energy and heat science.
Free STEM Activities to Teach about Thermal Energy and Heat

The following hands-on science activities from Science Buddies' library of STEM Activities for Kids can be used with students in or out of the classroom to explore thermal energy and heat science:

1. Bake Your Ice Cream: discover how meringue can serve as an insulator to prevent ice cream from melting in the oven.

2. Build a Pizza Box Solar Oven: experience how the reflection, absorption, and radiation of solar energy can be harnessed for cooking.

3. Build a Solar Updraft Tower: investigate how solar energy can be absorbed and converted into kinetic energy.

4. Build a Cooler: experiment with insulators to minimize heat transfer.

5. Warm in the Sun: examine solar radiation's ability to warm up different surfaces.

6. Measure Up with a Homemade Thermometer: explore how thermal expansion of liquids is used to make a thermometer.

Get Inspired with STEM Videos

The following videos are from the activities mentioned above. Short videos like these are a great way for kids to see what's involved in a project or activity before starting.

You Might Also Enjoy These Related Posts:

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6 STEM Activities to Teach about Thermal Energy and Heat Transfer | Science Buddies Blog

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Six free, hands-on STEM activities to learn about thermal energy and heat

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Find and create gamified quizzes, lessons, presentations, and flashcards for students, employees, and everyone else. Get started for free!

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HelpTeaching.com - Free Printable K-12 Worksheets

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You can create printable tests and worksheets from these Grade 3 Heat Transfer questions! Select one or more questions using the checkboxes above each question. Then click the add selected questions to a test button before moving to another page.

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Third Grade (Grade 3) Heat Transfer Questions for Tests and Worksheets

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You can create printable tests and worksheets from these Grade 3 Heat Transfer questions! Select one or more questions using the checkboxes above each question. Then click the add selected questions to a test button before moving to another page.

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3rd grade science quiz on heat, conductors, and insulators. Follow SC science standards. ...

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Practice Studying Heat Transfer Flashcards

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Practice Studying Heat Transfer Flashcards

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Keep reading for some cool facts about heat!

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Keep reading for some cool facts about heat!

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The sun, a fresh cup of cocoa, and a pot simmering on the stove all give off heat. But what is heat? How is it created? Keep reading for some cool facts about heat!

What is heat?

Heat is actually a form of energy. As atoms and molecules inside of an object move, they create heat energy. The faster they move, the hotter the object. Temperature is a measurement of how fast the atoms or molecules are moving within an object!

So what about cold objects like ice cream or snow? Do they have no heat energy? No, most objects have some heat energy. Cold objects just have less heat energy than warmer objects, meaning their atoms and molecules are moving more slowly.

If they completely stop moving inside of an object, the object reaches a temperature called absolute zero. At this point, the object would have no heat energy.

How does heat move?

Heat moves when objects have different temperatures, and it always moves in the same direction: from hot to cold.

For example, if you touch a hot stove, you feel the heat moving into your body.

There are three different ways that heat can move: conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conduction happens when something hot touches something cooler, causing heat from the hotter object to travel to the cooler object, like in the example above. If your hand, which is cooler than a hot stove, reaches out and touches the stove, the heat will travel into your hand.

Have you ever walked barefoot across a sidewalk or parking lot on a hot day? What happened? Your feet started to feel, really, really hot, right? That's because conduction transferred the heat from the pavement to the cooler temperature of your feet.

Another example of conduction is the way an ice cube melts if you hold it in your hand. This is because the heat from your hand is moving into the much cooler ice cube, causing it to melt.

Convection occurs when heat is transferred through a gas or liquid as the hotter material moves to a cooler area. You've probably heard that "warm air rises," and this is one example of convection.

Convection is also the reason that water moves around so much as it's boiling.As the water at the bottom of the pot becomes hot, it rises to the top, with cooler water moving down to replace it. This causes the circular motion that leads to boiling.

Have you ever seen the steam rising up from a hot drink, like hot chocolate, tea, or maybe a cup of coffee? This is convection, too! The steam you see is the warm air rising due to the heat of the liquid in the cup.

Radiation is when heat travels through the air in invisible waves. For example, if you are smart enough not to touch the hot stove, but you do lean over it, you can still feel the heat radiating from the stove. The warmth you feel when sitting by a fire is another example of radiation. Microwaves heat your food using radiation, too.

Facts about Heat

-Some materials conduct or transfer heat better than others. For example, metals are much better conductors of heat than wood or cloth. This is why the pots and pans your parents cook with are made out of metal!

-When the heat in an object increases, it can expand or get bigger. When the heat decreases or becomes colder, the object can contract or get smaller. Thermometers work because the mercury in the thermometer expands when it is hot and contracts when it is cold.

-Heat energy from the Sun is transferred to the Earth by radiation.

-Thermal energy is another term for heat energy.

-Heat energy causes melting, freezing, evaporation, and condensation.

Next time you feel something hot, remember all of the cool facts you now know about heat!

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The sun, a fresh cup of cocoa, and a pot simmering on the stove all give off heat. But what is heat? How is it created? Keep reading for some cool facts about heat! What is heat? Heat is actually a form of energy.

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Think about all the ways you can make heat. Put a log on a fire and it burns, creating heat. Run around the playground and your body gets warm. Turn up the thermostat on the furnace and warm air flows from the vents. Or, rub your hands together and you'll notice heat.
Fun Facts

Heat happens when energy is burned or used. The hotter an object, the faster its molecules are moving.

Warm objects expand or become larger. Cold objects contract or become smaller.

Heat transfers from one object to another until both objects are the same temperature. This is called conduction.

Some materials conduct - or transfer heat - better than others. Pots and pans are made of aluminum, stainless steel, iron, or copper, which transfer heat well. Fabric doesn't transfer heat well, which is why blankets and coats are made from it. The heat stays in, keeping us warm.

Heat can change the state of matter. Butter, chocolate, and ice change from solids to liquids when they're heated.

Vocabulary

Expand: become larger

Contract: shrink; become smaller

Transfer: move from one to another

Q and A
Question: Does eating food create heat?
Answer: Yes, when you eat and digest food, you're creating energy and heat. Think of your body as a furnace and food as its fuel.
Learn More
Head over to FunKids to learn more about heat and energy.

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Think about all the ways you can make heat. Put a log on a fire and it burns, creating heat. Run around the playground and your body gets warm. Turn up the thermostat on the furnace and warm air flows from the vents. Or, rub your hands together and you'll notice heat.

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Learn interesting fun facts and trivia about Heat Energy with these fun fact sheets that are especially written for kids. These fun facts help children to understand how Heat Energy is produced.

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Learn interesting fun facts and trivia about Heat Energy with these fun fact sheets that are especially written for kids. These fun facts help children to understand how Heat Energy is produced.

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Fun Facts on Heat Energy for Kids Learn interesting fun facts and trivia about Heat Energy with our fun fact sheets that are especially written for kids. Our fun facts help children to understand how Heat Energy is produced. Children can learn all about this type of energy with our clear definitions, examples, processes and occurrences with different temperatures.

Learn the answers to these interesting questions; how does a gas transforms to a liquid? How does a liquid transforms to a solid? We use simple examples to help your kids learn and understand the quick and easy way. Watch the video, its fun for kids and children of all ages and ideal for homework help.

Did You Know?
Did you know that Heat Energy produced by the Sun is transferred to Earth by radiation? Did you know that Heat Energy causes water to evaporate, condense, melt and freeze? Our fun facts sheets provide definitions and examples of processes and occurrences caused by heat.

Pictures of Heat Energy
Fun facts about Heat Energy would not be complete without some pictures! Our universe is amazing, beginning with the Sun which is millions of miles away but maintains the ability to transfer heat energy to our Earth enabling all living creatures and plants to survive.

Fun Facts for Kids Fun Facts on Energy for Kids

Fact Sheet on Heat Energy
Fun Facts on Heat Energy for kids

Fun Fact 1
The Earth absorbs heat energy which is transferred from the Sun through radiation. The Sun might be millions of kilometres from the Earth but it does control the temperature of our planet.

Fun Fact 2
Our entire universe is made up from tiny particles known as atoms. Kinetic energy is produced when an object moves (when the atoms move). The atoms transfer heat when they move.

Fun Fact 3
Heat Energy is also known as thermal energy. This type of energy is transferred from particle to particle which move quicker with the production of more energy. The quick movement causes bonds to break and heat energy to transfer from one atom to another.

Fun Fact 4
Heat Energy is transferred in three main ways: conduction, convection and radiation.

Fun Fact 5
Definition of radiation: radiation from the Sun travels through electromagnetic waves and produces radiant energy. The Earth absorbs the radiant energy which increased its temperature.

Fun Fact 6
Definition of convection: when Heat Energy is transferred between moving gas or liquid particles.

Fun Fact 7
Definition of conduction: when Heat Energy is transferred between particles which are different in temperature. E.g. if you place a cold and warm object together, heat will pass from the warm object to the cold object through conduction. Conduction will continue until both objects achieve the same temperature.

Fun Fact 8
Example: If you pour cold milk into a bowl of steaming hot porridge, the porridge will cool down. This is because thermal heat is transferred from the hot liquid to the cool liquid.

Fun Fact 9
Example: If you try to pick up something which is hot, such as a metal spoon which has been left in a cup of boiling water, it can be so hot that it burns your fingers - this is because thermal heat is transferred from the metal spoon to your fingers.

Fun Fact 10
Heat energy can transform particles from gas, liquid to solid form. Various occurrences take place when temperatures go up and down. E.g. water will freeze at 0 degrees Celsius and it will boil at 100 degrees Celsius.

Fun Fact 11
Example: It takes a longer amount of time to heat a swimming pool of water than kettle of water. The more liquid there is, the longer it will take to heat.

Fun Fact 12
Heat Energy can transform liquid into gas state. This is known as evaporation or vaporization. Water can evaporate with heat.

Fun Fact 13
Heat Energy can transform gas state to liquid forming condensation - e.g. in the bathroom, vapour can change to liquid.

Fun Fact 14
Heat Energy can transform liquid into a solid when it is reduced. For example, when water reaches freezing point it turns into ice.

Fun Fact 15
Heat Energy causes melting. A solid such as ice will begin the melting process when it starts to absorb heat energy; the ice reacts by changing to a liquid (water).

Fact Sheet on Heat Energy
Fun Facts on Heat Energy for kids

Fun Facts for Kids - Watch the Video!

Fun facts on Heat for kids - Fact File - Fact Sheet - Definition - Define - Thermal - Examples - Facts about - Heat Transfer - What is - Kids Facts - Interesting Facts - Fast - Children - School - Teachers - Homework - Fast - Info - Information - Help - Guide - File - Sheet - Picture - Pic - Image - Photo - Free - Video - Facts on Heat Energy

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Fun Facts on Heat Energy for Kids Learn interesting fun facts and trivia about Heat Energy with our fun fact sheets that are especially written for kids. Our fun facts help children to understand how Heat Energy is produced. Children can learn all about this type of energy with our clear definitions, examples, processes and occurrences with different temperatures.

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Learn everything about Energy in detail with Dr. Binocs.

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Learn everything about Energy in detail with Dr. Binocs.

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Energy | The Dr. Binocs Show | Educational Videos For Kids

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Students can conduct their own lesson plan on heat!

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Students can conduct their own lesson plan on heat!

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This is a word search video game to help students learn new science terms related to heat energy (heat transfer).

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This is a word search video game to help students learn new science terms related to heat energy (heat transfer).

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A great way to build the foundation skills that today's elementary school curriculum requires. These learning games and songs are fun, teach important skills for preschool and elementary school kids and they're free. Want educational games that help build skills? You've come to the right place!

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Test your knowledge of HEAT with this fun crossword puzzle!

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Test your knowledge of HEAT with this fun crossword puzzle!