In this experiment students observe two model atmospheres: one with normal atmospheric composition and another with an elevated concentration of CO2. These two contained atmospheres will be exposed to light energy in a sunny window or...

Step-by-step illustrated instructions for an experiment investigating the loss of heat in three bowls of porridge.

Refrigerators and heat pumps are described. Their operation is explained and the variables which improve their efficiency is discussed.

A page describing (in part) the distinction between energy, temperature and heat. Includes a graphic illustrating the quantity of energy needed to transform water between various states. Methods of thermal energy transfer (convection,...

An excellent page describing the variables which effect the heat loss through homes. The causes and sources of such heat loss are identified and explained. Lays the groundwork for understanding the importance of and need for home heating...

This site from the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research provides a lengthy page covering numerous topics including the difference between heat and temperature, the use of different temperature scales, thermal expansion, how a...

Use this illustrated guide to understand equilibrium and heat engines as they relate to the second law of thermodynamics.

This simulation shows conduction of thermal energy within and between solids, based on the kinetic energy of particles, and collisions between neighboring particles.

This page from Georgia State University provides information on specific heat. Formulas are included. You can also enter in information into the site and have it calculate it for you.

Explains how heat is created from a chemical reaction, from friction, or from energy inefficiency, as well as the meaning of specific heat capacity.

In this module students learn the relationship between energy and chemical reactions, and understand the difference between energy, heat, and work. They perform calorimetry calculations, and study the laws of thermodynamics, enthalpy,...

In this interactive unit on thermodynamics, you'll learn why heat flows the way it does and how that flow of thermal energy can be put to good use in your daily life.

Students learn about the nature of thermal energy, temperature and how materials store thermal energy. They discuss the difference between conduction, convection and radiation of thermal energy, and complete activities in which they...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Using diagrams and practice problems, students learn how the units of calories are used to measure the energy of the heat transfer. They also discover how...

In this heat transfer activity, students become editors for a website that publishes amazing-but-true stories. Two stories being considered for publication include claims about heat energy. Students must evaluate the validity of the...

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...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] In this lesson, students study the difference between reactions that absorb versus release heat as well as how to measure this change in energy.

Students learn about calorimeters and calorimetry in this illustrated, interactive physics tutorial.

A page describing the concept of temperature and temperature scales. An interactive JavaScript form allows the visitor to investigate the relationship between the Kelvin, Celsius and Fahrenheit scales; enter a value and allow the...

John and Jessi are going underwater, and they need to stay warm. Help them learn about conductors of heat so they can stay warm.

Experiment investigating conduction and convection of heat in water.

For this activity, students will be given a set of materials: cardboard, a set of insulating materials (i.e. foam, newspaper, etc.), aluminum foil, and Plexiglas. Students will then become engineers in building a solar oven from the...

Students apply an understanding of the concept of heat transfer through convection, conduction, and radiation as they use wireless temperature probes to investigate the heating capacity of different materials under heat lamps.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Do you know why the metal in the oven burns your skin but the air in the oven doesn't? This simulation will show you the relationship between heat energy and temperature.