Teaching heat? In this thermal energy lab, students test the thermal energy transfer of different container types. This heat activity will have your students measure temperature while observing how different materials minimize or maximize heat transfer.
This investigation results in great graphs that clearly show how different materials act as insulators and conductors when they lose/gain thermal energy at different rates. Also nicely shows that heat transfer occurs until equilibrium!
The best part? It uses very simple supplies!
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In this activity, students will:
- Follow clear step-by-step instructions to perform the lab. Students will measure the temperature change of hot and cold water in different containers over time. They’ll record their data in a provided data table.
- Complete a drawing assignment (related to the experiment) between temperature readings. (This keeps them on task between readings!)
- Graph their data – one for each container type – with a line for hot water and a line for cold water.
- Complete analysis questions, including a Claims/Evidence/Reasoning section.
Materials Required:
- soup/bean/vegetable metal cans
- glass beakers or mason jars
- Styrofoam cups
- thermometers
- hot and cold water
Teacher Notes:
- Students should have prior knowledge of conduction, convection, and radiation before this lab.
- Detailed teacher directions and helpful tips are provided.
- Includes answer key.
- Please note: This thermal energy lab is NOT editable.
- Get this lab at a BIG DISCOUNT in my COMPLETE HEAT UNIT!
- You can also shop our TPT store!
Related Standards:
- NGSS MS-PS1-4: Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
- NGSS MS-PS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer.
- NGSS MS-PS3-4: Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.
