Things are really getting heated in the lab! Science scholars scope out the facts about heat energy transfer using a simple lab from the K20 Center. Groups collaborate to observe temperature changes between hot metal and water, then use their observations to explain how heat flows.

Concepts

heat, temperature, temperature changes, experimental design, enthalpy, enthalpy change, making observations, making inferences, heat energy, energy transfer

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Set up enough demonstration stations so individuals can experience the heat energy flow between their hands and water
• Take the learning further by having groups design their own versions of the experiment using different materials

Classroom Considerations

• If your class is not ready to tackle the heat calculations, focus the experiment on describing the flow of heat energy instead

Pros

• The engagement demonstration is simple yet impactful
• A variety of resources and extensions allow you to tailor the lesson plan to your class' abilities

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.2 RST.11-12.3