Format
Time is allowed throughout the workshop to ask and answer questions. We treat video conferences in the same format as traditional science incursions. Please refer to the supporting .pdf document supplied to you on booking which details all of the pre-class, post-class and during class experiment materials your class will use.
1. Program begins with a general introduction and discussion on timezone and weather differences between Australia and your school.
2. The workshop begins with a discussion on 'what is heat?'. We use a model to demonstrate energy being applied to mock gas.
3. Do all materials conduct heat the same way? Your students setup 'spoons on ice' experiment.
4. The presenter runs through a variety of heat conduction experiments (thermochromic materials, hand boiler, burning space shuttle tile and more).
5. We run a counter intuitive experiment on heat conduction and melting using ice and 2 controlled materials.
6. We demonstrate heat application to an alloy which is being used in robotics.
7. We demonstrate expansion of materials due to heat application. Your class runs the 'expand air' experiment.
8. We discuss the convection as an implication of uneven heating in liquids and gases. You will run the teacher-centred demonstration 'balloon survives the flame' (optional). We follow this up with a tea bag rocket and link both demonstrations to convection in weather patterns and ocean currents.
9. We demonstrate uneven heating being utilised in stirling engines and radiometers.
10. Time is made for students to ask further questions and discuss cultural differences between USA and Australia.
Objectives
Your students will:
- learn that heat is a measure of kinetic energy
- explore responses of materials to heat
- understand that heat conductivity varies between materials
- witness convection as a result of uneven heating of liquids and gases
- discuss uses of heat transfer in modern society
Standards Alignment
National Standards
NS.K-4.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCE
As a result of the activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of
Properties of objects and materials
Position and motion of objects
Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism
NS.K-4.7 HISTORY OF NATURE AND SCIENCE:
As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of
Science as a human endeavor
NS.5-8.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCE
As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding
Properties and changes of properties in matter
Motions and forces
Transfer of energy
NS.5-8.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop--
Abilities of technological design
Understandings about science and technology