Compare heating and cooling rates of different land forms. A lab activity has groups collect data on the rate of heating and cooling of soil, grass, saltwater, fresh water, and sand. An analysis of the rates shows how the different land...

Measure the amount of energy in a peanut by igniting a chemical reaction. Classes use a laboratory setup to burn a peanut and measure the amount of heat it releases through a temperature analysis. They calculate the number of Joules of...

This learning exercise would make a nifty quiz on the laws of thermodynamics. Nine multiple choice questions assess high schoolers' understanding of energy transfer, specific heat capacity, phase change, fusion, and vaporization. It is...

There's more to melting than meets the eye! Junior physical chemists investigate the differences between specific and latent heats as a substance undergoes a phase change. Users remove heat from the system and observe changes in kinetic...

Heat up some interest in solar energy. Young engineers create a water heater that runs on solar power (simulated by a lamp). Using thermometers, they determine the change in temperature before and after the water goes through the heater.

In this skin temperature worksheet, students read about the temperature of the core and the skin of the human body. They answer four critical thinking questions about regulating body temperature.

Amateurs of alternative energy build a mini parabolic-trough solar energy collector and use it to heat water. Temperature is recorded over a three-minute period and the data is graphed and analyzed. Note that in order to paint aquarium...

Class members explore the carbon cycle in the final installment of the 10-part Discover Your Changing World series. They play a simulation game where they walk through the steps carbon takes as it cycles through the different layers...

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...

In this heat activity, learners determine the heat gained or lost when matter changes phases. Students review the energy flow through ecosystems by comparing trophic levels and food webs. This activity has 10 fill in the blank, 5 short...

Do solids, liquids, and gases even matter? The presentation focuses on changes in matter, including phases, Boyle's Law, Charles' Law, and physical changes. 

In this sunspots and magnetic fields instructional activity, students read about the satellite images taken showing 'loopy' patterns from solar gases and the magnetic fields on the sun. Students solve 2 problems including finding the...

In this oil, fossil fuels and Earth's atmosphere activity, students answer 3 questions about the origin of oil and its uses, the effects of burning oil and fossil fuels on the Earth's atmosphere and the origin and maintenance of the...

For this adobe worksheet, students read about adobe soil and how it was used for building because of its insulating properties. Students complete 3 short answer questions.

In this online interactive global warming and climate change worksheet, learners respond to 10 multiple choice questions regarding the information included in the provided paragraphs.

In this solids activity, students review terms associated with solid matter including, freezing and melting point, viscosity, and Brownian motion. This activity has 1 short answer and 14 matching questions.

For this space probes worksheet, students read about radioisotope thermoelectric generators and how they work. Then students complete 3 short answer questions.

At this site, the student can find out thermophysical properties of different fluids and gases.

Heat flow from a hot region to a cold region is described and explained. Applications of this phenomenon (specifically heat pumps and refrigerators) are discussed. Excellent graphics.

Heat flow from a hot region to a cold region is described and explained. Applications of this phenomenon (specifically heat pumps and refrigerators) are discussed. Excellent graphics.

This site from the Colorado State University discusses the tranfer of heat by conduction and convection. Discussion centers around the application of these two heat transfer mechanisms to engines. The variables that effect the resistance...

Thermodynamics is a very important branch of both physics and chemistry. It deals with the study of energy, the conversion of energy between different forms and the ability of energy to do work. Through this article, you will begin to...

What kind of unit conversion would you like to do? This site will allow you to do a multitude of conversions. Just click on the specific measurement you are needing to convert. It also provides a history of measurements and a chart of...