In Heat & Energy, students learn definitions of concepts related to heat and energy, including temperature, potential and kinetic energy, and work. They look at heat and energy from the molecular viewpoint as they construct models of simple hydrocarbon fuels. Students learn the chemical reaction involved in combustion and the components necessary for combustion to occur, and they distinguish examples of exothermic and endothermic reactions.
STUDENT OBJECTIVES
- Describe how heat and light energy are capable of work.
- Express how molecular motion relates to temperature.
- Define and give examples of the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
- Classify different types of fuel sources.
- Contrast exothermic and endothermic reactions.
- Deduce that food is fuel.
- Conduct an experiment to evaluate the expansion properties of different materials.
ACTIVITIES
Students complete three performance assessments: 1) Hydrocarbon Molecules – build a methane molecule and a propane molecule and show a chemical bond and explain what it represents; 2) Heat Content – understand and explain the differences and similarities between specific heat, heat capacity, and heat content; and 3) Heat Expansion – study and explain heat expansion and use a compound bar to explain how a thermostat works.