eBook
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Laws of Thermodynamics

For Students 9th - 10th
A page from the Fundamentals of Physical Geography site. Identifies, describes and elaborates upon the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics.
Activity
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Using Energy Resources Wisely

For Students 6th - 9th
Students test which type of material retains heat the longest.
Handout
FT Exploring

Ft Exploring: The Second Law of Thermodynamics

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about one of the most misunderstood principles of physics, the second law of thermodynamics.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Stop Heat From Escaping

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
One way to conserve energy in a building is to use adequate insulation. Insulation helps keep the hot or cool air inside or outside of a building. Inefficient heating and cooling of buildings is a leading residential and industrial...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Exploring Alternative Energy Sources

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Calculate the increased cost of heating homes and fueling cars since the energy crisis. Investigate alternative renewable and nonrenewable energy sources that can be used to decrease Americans' dependency on fossil fuels.
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Physics Aviary

Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Energy on Incline Level 2

For Students 9th - 10th
Students must predict the distance a box will move up an incline based on energy conservation. There will be friction present and some of the original KE will turn into heat.
Handout
Physics4kids

Rader's Physics4 kids.com: Thermodynamics & Heat: First Law of Thermodynamics

For Students 6th - 8th
Explains how the first law of thermodynamics affects four types of thermodynamic systems.
Website
Other

Taftan: Applied Thermodynamics

For Students 9th - 10th
A definition of applied thermodynamics, the science of the relationship between heat, work, and systems that analyze energy processes. Related links.
Handout
Other

Web Dictionary of Cybernetics:thermodynamics

For Students 9th - 10th
A definition of thermodynamics and its laws from the Web Dictionary of Cybernetics and Systems. Part of an online dictionary of scientific terms. Includes hypertext links to other definitions are provided.
Handout
Other

Warmair.com: Attic Insulation Calculator

For Students 9th - 10th
An online JavaScript application which allows visitors to investigate the relative amount of heat being lost from their homes due to insufficient insulation. The current R-value and a hypothetical R-value can be entered and the energy...
Handout
Other

Warmair.com: Programmable Thermostats

For Students 9th - 10th
The virtues of programmable thermostats are discussed. Includes a section titled "Thermostat Set-back Calculation;" the visitor can enter the normal and an adjusted thermostat setting and an outdoor temperature and view the percent...
Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Which Is the Better Insulation Material?

For Students 6th - 8th
You've probably noticed that the price of gasoline can fluctuate a great deal from one year to the next. Using good insulation material is one way to conserve energy and save money. Learn here which insulation materials work better than...
Handout
Other

Warmair.com: Insulation

For Students 9th - 10th
The role of insulation in preventing heat loss is discussed. The concept of thermal resistance is introduced and explained. Understandable language but no graphics.
Lesson Plan
Better Planet Productions

Earth Care: Movers and Shakers [Pdf]

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Wind is created in areas where there are temperature shifts. For this lesson, Grade Two students will investigate areas of their schoolyard where there are 'wind tunnels' and 'wind shadows'. They will then use this information to...
Lesson Plan
Other

E Gfi: Green Roof Design

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A project through which teams design a roof made of plant material that conserves both water and heat.
Lesson Plan
Climate Literacy

Clean: Car Quest

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this activity, students will determine the environmental effects of existing cars and a fleet consisting of their dream cars. They compute how many tons of heat-trapping gases are produced each year, how much it costs to fuel the...