As part of a larger resource called "Getting started in Chemistry," this page examines various topics related to energy. The types of energy discussed include kinetic, potential, thermal, and chemical.

Explore heat and temperature with a 5E model lesson.

Learn how to differentiate between heat and temperature.

Learn that temperature measures average kinetic energy, and heat is the transfer of energy from hot systems to cold systems. Consider what makes a good conductor. (Requires Java)

Use this online activity to explore how various substances respond to changes in temperature. Learn how to calibrate a thermometer.

Find out your or your students' understanding of heat and temperature. Afterwards you can see how others answered the questions.

Many materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. What do you think will happen to the elasticity (stretchiness) of a rubber band when it is heated or cooled to various temperatures?

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Using the law of conservation of energy as a starting off point, students use the specific heat equation to perform calculations that relate mass, specific heat,...

Based on experimental observations, students describe, on the molecular level, why the liquid in a thermometer goes up when it is heated and down when it is cooled.

In this activity, students will investigate whether the temperature of water affects its density. Students will place colored hot and cold water in a cup of room-temperature water to see that cold water sinks while hot water floats. Then...

Students practice the engineering design process as they explore devices used to measure changes in temperature. They work in teams to design, build, test, and evaluate their own temperature gauge made from everyday materials.

Eight different types of energy that can convert into thermal energy are described. A movement activity and an experiment are included in this overview of thermal energy.

This lesson begins with a story about rescuing reptile eggs from a new construction site. Using the story as motivation, students are presented with an engineering design challenge: Build a portable device which can warm, support, and...

An activity for students to explore how dark-colored materials absorb and emit more energy vs. light-colored material.

Learn how heat energy can be produced by mechanical and electrical machines.

To understand the challenges of satellite construction, student teams design and create model spacecraft to protect vital components from the harsh conditions found on Mercury and Venus. They use slices of butter in plastic eggs to...

The article explains temperature. Specifically, you will learn about the temperature scale, temperature scale conversions, and the types of instruments used to measure temperature. Included are solved examples and interactive problems...

Work samples, phenomena, assessment templates, and videos that directly address standard MS-PS3-4: thermal energy transfer.

See how thermometers measure temperature by the molecular movement of the liquid inside.

In this engineering science fair project, students will determine the most effective method for quickly raising the temperature of a liquid in a tank. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract,...

Discusses the methods the human body uses to regulate body temperature. Includes links to the four external heat transfer mechanisms (radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation of perspiration).

Students relate thermal energy to heat capacity by comparing the heat capacities of different materials and graphing the change in temperature over time for a specific material. Students learn why heat capacity is an important property...

Students apply the concepts of conduction, convection, and radiation as they work in teams to solve two problems. One problem requires that they maintain the warm temperature of one soda can filled with water at approximately body...

This article talks discusses the climbing temperature and how it is affecting our lives here on earth. It examines El-Nina, global warming, and the greenhouse effect.