Lesson Plan

The Cold, Hard Truth

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Things are really getting heated in the lab! Science scholars scope out the facts about heat energy transfer using a simple lab from the K20 Center. Groups collaborate to observe temperature changes between hot metal and water, then use their observations to explain how heat flows.

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CCSS: Adaptable
NGSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Set up enough demonstration stations so individuals can experience the heat energy flow between their hands and water
  • Take the learning further by having groups design their own versions of the experiment using different materials
Classroom Considerations
  • If your class is not ready to tackle the heat calculations, focus the experiment on describing the flow of heat energy instead
Pros
  • The engagement demonstration is simple yet impactful
  • A variety of resources and extensions allow you to tailor the lesson plan to your class' abilities
Cons
  • None
Common Core