Heating and thermal equilibrium
Students often think that some materials (metals, water) are intrinsically cold, while others (plastic, wood) are intrinsically warm. These resources help students to develop a deeper understanding of heat transfers and link to the following areas of the curriculum;
• heating and thermal equilibrium: temperature difference between two objects leading to energy transfer from the hotter to the cooler one, through contact (conduction) or radiation; such transfers tending to reduce the temperature difference: use of insulators.
The list provides a range of activities, lesson ideas, film clips, careers resources, background information, practical tips and suggested teaching strategies.
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Key stage three posters (SI base units and measurements)
These posters from the National Physical Laboratory are ideal for the key stage 3 classroom. Posters cover, accuracy and precision, sound, temperature, value of measurement and the seven SI base units.
Career Clips: Energy Efficiency and Architecture
This inspiring careers clip is an ideal introduction to the topic of heat transfers and thermal insulation, showing the application of these concepts in building design.
In addition to illustrating the careers in which physics plays a part, the film also explains concepts such as heat transfer, conduction, convection, radiation and thermal conductivity.
Thermal Conductivity
These two short videos, produced by the National STEM Learning Centre, illustrate the process of thermal conductivity. The first video shows a demonstration of thermal conductivity using ice, plastic and aluminium blocks. Alom Shaha explains the process involved. The second video simply shows the effect of the different blocks on the ice.
Hot and Cold: Exploring Temperature Changes Using Thermocolour Film
This booklet is part of the ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ series published by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP). Thermocolour film is a fascinating material that changes colour depending on the temperature. Each of the sections in this booklet illustrates how the film can be used in different science topics, and includes ‘Classroom activities’ with practical suggestions and ‘Background science’ for those who want to know more. In addition, there is also a section that explains how thermocolour film works.
Physics Podcasts *suitable for home teaching*
Produced by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), these Naked Scientist podcasts look at physics questions in an accessible and informative manner. Do bubbles keep your bath warmer for longer? Scientists discuss how the bubbles would reduce water evaporation as well as radiation and convection. Goldfinger versus Goldmember, The Naked Scientists discuss the use of lasers and the science behind.
Harnessing Energy: Practicals
Eight practicals produced by the Institute of Physics (IOP) that help students to understand energy transfer and transformation and the use of energy in its various forms. Accompanied by the teacher and technicians' guide for both the practicals and activity sheets.
I Wouldn’t Send a Dog Out on a Night Like This!
This activity challenges students to apply their understanding of heat transfer to the context of designing insulation for the Beagle 2 Lander.
The lander relies on batteries to carry out experiments, but the batteries' ability to supply energy is severely impaired by low temperatures.
The challenge can be differentiated to suit the ability of the students by adapting the criteria: “The temperature of the space probe should not drop below X degrees over a period of Y minutes.”
Since there was an absolute limit to the mass of the real Beagle 2, every gram that was used to protect the scientific payload was a gram that was effectively lost from that payload. To reflect this, the winning team must meet the criteria for heat loss whilst using the least mass of insulation.
Hot Chocolate
Some good activities linked to heating and thermodynamics.
