Grade Level/Subject
Unit
Enduring
Understanding
SOL Objectives
Title
Lesson Objective
Middle School, Applied Earth Science & and
General Earth Science classes
Meteorology
Understanding heat transfer is applied to
weather systems, winds, convection currents
found in the earth’s mantle, the sun convection
level, and ocean current systems.
ES.12 The student will investigate and
understand that energy transfer between the
sun and Earth and its atmosphere drives
weather and climate on Earth.
Heat Transfer Inquiry Lab
For students to observe, record, interpret and
analyze the transfer of heat by radiation,
conduction and convection
Inquiry Level
2
Materials Required
3-6 thermometers, one large glass beaker, a
flat strip of aluminum axp 1”x ¼” x 6 to 8” (or
other suitable heat conducting material), a
small low flow fan or suitable hand fan, 2 heat
lamps. Lab report and question worksheet.
Heat Transfer Inquiry Lab 60 to 90 minutes
Suitability: Middle School, Applied Earth Science & and General Earth Science classes
Objective: For students to observe, record, interpret and analyze the transfer of heat by radiation,
conduction and convection
Overview: Students will set up three stations and then observe and measure the temperature change,
They will also analyze the method of transfer and apply it to everyday situations.
Equipment per team: 6 thermometers, one large glass beaker, a flat strip of aluminum axp 1”x ¼” x
6 to 8” (or other suitable heat conducting material), a small low flow fan or suitable hand fan, 2 heat
lamps. Lab report and question worksheet.
Set Up: Teams of 2,3
Set up one thermometer in the front of the room as a control.
Each station set up takes about 5 minutes and 10 to 15 minutes to record temperature change
A: Radiation. One thermometer is place in a glass beaker not touching the glass. A heat lamp is
turned on and the temperature is recorded.
B: Conduction. Three thermometers are placed (both ends and middle) on a conducting material
while a heat source is applied to one end. The temperature is recorded on all three thermometers in
30 sec intervals. (set heat lamp, Bunsen burner or other source to only apply to one end of material)
C: Convection. Set 2 thermometers upright each one meter from a heat source but in different
directions. Students will fan the air towards one of the thermometers. Record both temperature
readings on one minute intervals
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Explain each station and how they will be conducted
Remind students of proper temperature measurement procedures (not touching, sighting)
Hand out materials or explain rotation to stations
Students conduct lab and take measurements
Fill out lab report as a team then pick up worksheet for individual work and evaluation
Differentiation:
1. Have lab stations set up ahead of class time, number of each station depends on class size and
have teams rotate to each station.
2. Have three stations, conduct labs with student participation as class wide demos
3. Fill out the temperature data cart as a class on the smart board
Rubric: Data table 10 points, Graphs 15 points, Q&A 15 points
Heat Transfer Inquiry Lab Draft
Name: _______________________________________________________
Procedure:
Station A: Radiation.
1. Place one thermometer inside the beaker, upright, facing the heat source, close but not touching
the glass sides.
2. Place the beaker about 50 cm away, from the heat lamp. Heat lamp should be positions to shine
straight at, parallel to the table.
3. Turn on heat lamp, record temperature at 1 minute interval for 20 minutes.
Materials:
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
Station B. Conduction
1. Place a strip of aluminum foil on the table so that an inch over hangs the table edge.
2. The heat should be placed to shine up onto or to heat the metal over the edge of the table, from
about 4 inches away.
3. Place a thermometer so that the bulb is touching the metal, one close to the beginning by the
table edge, one in the middle and one towards the far end.
4. Record starting temps, they should all be room temperature.
5. Apply the heat source to the end and take temperature reading of all three at one minute intervals
for 20 minutes.
Materials:_____________________________
_________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
Station C. Convection
1. Set 2 thermometers upright each one meter from identical heat sources
2. Set up small low flow fan directing air flow across one heat source towards one thermometer
3. Turn on heat lamps, fans and begin recording temperature at 1 minute intervals for 20 minutes.
Materials:
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
Data Table for Temperature Readings
Station A
Time
Initial
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Station B
Start
Middle
Station C
End
With Fan
No Fan
Make one line graph with all 6 data lines to show all the data from the table above.
Analysis and Conclusion
Station A– The transfer of energy (heat) by infrared radiation waves
1. What happened to the temperature inside the large beaker?
________________________
2. Was there any direct physical contact, molecules to molecules?
___________
3. Was there any substantial air flow to carry heated molecules?
___________
4. How did the heat travel through the air and glass?
___________________________
5. Give 2 examples of radiation heat transfer: __________________
___________________
Station B - Molecules vibrate faster when energy (heat) is applied, transferred by touch.
6. Explain what happened to the temperature along the metal bar?
__________________________________________________________________________
7. How did the heat, or energy, move along the length of the bar?
8. For conduction to occur which medium does it require?
___________
Air/Water Flow or
Solids
9. Is this method of transfer able to move through vacuum of space? _____________________
10. Give 2 examples of conduction heat transfer: __________________
__________________
Station C – Energy being carried by fluid (air or water) flow from one place to another.
11. What happened to the temperature where the fan was blowing? ______________________
12. What carried the heat to the thermometer? _______________________________________
13. Heated air or water becomes less dense, which causes it to?
Rise or Sink
14. Is this method of transfer able to move through vacuum of space? ____________________
15. Give 2 examples of convection heat transfer: _________________
__________________
Start
Middle
End