Classroom Resources: Energy & Thermodynamics

1 – 14 of 14 Classroom Resources

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  Radiation, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Heat, Temperature, Experimental design, Graphing, Interdisciplinary | Middle School, High School

  Lesson Plan: The Ozone Layer

  In this lesson, students will develop an explanation for the consequences of ozone depletion on Earth by planning and carrying out an investigation. Students will use analysis and interpretation of data to develop a model to explain the cause and effect of Ozone depletion on the planet Earth.

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  Introduction, Interdisciplinary, History, Heat, Renewable Energy, Polymers, Molecular Structure | Middle School, High School

  Activity: The Frontiers of Chemistry: Video Questions

  In this activity, students will answer questions while watching a video about several exciting scientific developments, including solar cells, 3D printing and micro machines. This video will help students understand that fundamental chemistry concepts are essential to the advancement of science and technology.

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  Kinetic Molecular Theory, Temperature, Heat, Temperature | Middle School, High School

  Lab: Mega Marshmallows

  In this lab, students will investigate the Kinetic Molecular Theory and particle motion while experimenting with a marshmallow. Students will observe how an increase in kinetic energy will cause particles to increase in motion. This concept will be extended into a discussion about additional real world thermal expansion examples.

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  Temperature, Heat, Temperature | Elementary School, Middle School

  Demonstration: An Uplifting Experience

  In this demonstration, students will investigate what happens to air when it is heated.

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  Molecular Structure, Molecular Geometry, Polymers, Electronegativity, Heat, Temperature, Electricity | High School, Middle School

  Video: The Future of Paint Video

  This video explores the fascinating and innovative scientific advancements of paint. Students will learn how the molecular components in paint are helping to evolve in the world around them. Futuristic paint is capable of replacing light switches, conducting electricity, and regulating temperature amongst other things!

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  Heat | Middle School

  Demonstration: Hot Popcorn

  In this demonstration, the teacher will pop popcorn using three different methods (a hot plate, a microwave, and an air popper) so that the students can experience and investigate three types of heat energy transfer: convection, conduction, and radiation.

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  Exothermic & Endothermic, Heat, Temperature, Classification of Reactions | Middle School, High School

  Lab: Determining Endothermic and Exothermic Reaction

  In this lab, students will analyze evidence to determine if a chemical reaction releases energy and can be classified as an exothermic reaction or if it absorbs energy and can be classified as an endothermic reaction.

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  Heat of Combustion, Heat, Exothermic & Endothermic, Combustion | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Video: The Internal Combustion Engine Video

  This video investigates both the mechanical and the chemical processes used in the internal combustion engine, as well as the history and evolution of the combustion engine.

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  Electricity, Anode, Cathode, Galvanic Cells, Heat, Renewable Energy | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Video: Alternative Fuels Video

  This video analyzes alternatives to petroleum based fossil fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells.

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  Heat, Temperature | High School, Middle School

  Activity: What Makes Something Feel Warm

  In this lesson students actively engage in thinking about energy issues in chemistry and the nature of energy (thermal) transfer. The idea that temperature is a measure of heat content will be challenged, and students will be given the opportunity to collect data that will allow them to clearly see that different materials transfer energy at different rates.

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  Temperature, History, Interdisciplinary, Chemical Change, Temperature, Heat | Middle School, High School

  Lab: Greenhouse Gas Simulation

  In this lab, students will create two simulations of the Earth’s atmosphere. They will compare a control model with a one that has an increased presence of carbon dioxide gas in order to analyze how this effects temperature. They will also complete research in order to learn more about the makeup of the Earth’s atmosphere.

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  Exothermic & Endothermic, Chemical Change, Heat, Temperature, Classification of Reactions | Middle School, High School

  Lab: Designing Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions

  In this lab, students will design and test an experiment for producing either an endothermic or an exothermic reaction. The goal of the lab is for students to successfully construct a reproducible procedure for a reaction that either releases or absorbs thermal energy, and that can be supported with data.

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  Heat | High School, Middle School

  Lesson Plan: Designing & Engineering a Fast Defroster

  In this activity students use their understanding of energy transfer to “design a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations.”  And “evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations.”  The real world problem is to help a cook who is trying to make a meal, but realizes some of the ingredients are frozen and must be thawed before he can begin.

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  Molecular Motion, Heat | High School, Middle School

  Lesson Plan: Modeling the Melting of Ice

  In this lesson, students will create a particulate model of matter that explains energy changes and transfer during a phase change.