Title: Wk 1 Seasons--Heat Transfer
Author: Kathy Schaffer
Subject Area(s): Middle School Science
Grade(s): 6-8
Description of Lesson: Students will observe methods of heat transfer through
teacher demonstration, a video clip, and a PowerPoint presentation connected to the
topic.
Length of Lesson: 2 ½ class sessions
Student Objectives: Students will correctly identify the three methods of heat
transfer: conduction, convection, radiation
Materials:
1. Heat Transfer Graphic Organizer
(http://science-class.net/Graphic_Organizers/GO_3definitions_heat_transfer.pdf)
2. Heat transfer video clip
(http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/19106-exploring-heat-heat-transfer-video.htm)
3. Heat Transfer PowerPoint presentation:
(www.belmont.k12.ma.us/class_pages/jloosman/heat_pp.pps)
4. Assessment Worksheet
(http://www.lsrhs.net/departments/science/faculty/brandesa/handouts/heattransferwkst1.pdf)
5. Microwave popcorn bag and microwave
6. Hot air popcorn popper
7. Burner
8. Jiffy-pop popcorn foil pan (or metal pan with lid and oil, if Jiffy Pop not
available)
9. Jar or bag of popcorn
10. Bowls for popcorn
11. Radiation, Convection, Conduction, and Heat Transfer signs for demonstration
table
12. Notebook Paper and Pencil
13. Optional candle, lighter, candle holder (additional radiation demonstration)
Procedure: Day 1:
1. To begin the lesson and to focus students, set up the demonstrations on a table
and label each method with the correct signs so students can easily identify them
before students enter the classroom.
Demonstration set-up
A. Conduction--Burner with Jiffy Pop on top
B. Radiation-- Microwave and microwave popcorn
C. Convection-- Hot air Popper, bowl and popcorn.
3. Have students label their notebook paper “Popcorn Heat Transfer” and as
teacher conducts demonstrations, students write down their observations for each
method.
4. Begin with conduction. Place Jiffy pop directly on burner and turn burner to
correct setting. Students should observe changes write down their observations.
Be sure to point out the direct contact between the burner and pan and pan and
kernels.
5. Radiation-- Place microwave popcorn bag in microwave and select settings.
Students should record their observations. Be sure to point out there is no heat
source directly touching the popcorn that invisible waves cause the heat to
transfer. (Other ways to show radiation include the heat felt next to the burner in
the conduction activity above, or feeling the heat coming off of a candle.)
6. Convection- Place popcorn kernels inside hot air popper and turn on, placing bowl
beneath spout. Be sure to point out the hot air currents flowing throughout the
popper. (Some conduction is taking place also, but focus more on the air currents.)
7. After demonstrations, pass out Heat Transfer Graphic Organizer (materials
#1) and have students take notes as they watch the video clip on heat transfer
(See materials #2). Students should then save this paper until the following day for
the next part of the activity.
7. If time, let the students eat the popcorn.
Day 2:
1. Discuss the popcorn examples as a review before moving into the day's activities.
Students should also use their heat transfer graphic organizers from the previous
day to continue notes.
2. PowerPoint Presentation (Materials #3) --Lead students through the
presentation discussing and reviewing heat transfer as they write down main ideas
to remember for each type of transfer on graphic organizers.
Day 3:
Student assessment quiz—(Materials #4), students are assessed over
their knowledge of heat transfer by completing handout independently.
Scientific Explanation:
The Sun provides almost all the energy we need on Earth. Heat transfer is
important in our weather. There are three methods heat is transferred; they
included radiation, conduction, and convection. Radiation is the transfer of energy
through electromagnetic waves. No direct contact is required for this to occur.
Conduction is a method of transfer that occurs between objects that come in
direct contact with each other. Convection is the transfer of heat through fluids
(liquids and gases). Convection currents occur because hot fluid rises and cold sinks
creating a cycle of movement. Convection currents are very important in our
weather because the Earth is constantly rotating on its axis and the rising warm air
constantly moves convection currents around our Earth.
Assessment: Students will be given a paper and pencil quiz requiring them to
correctly identify the methods of heat transfer.
Missouri and Kansas Standards Addressed:
Kansas Science Standards:
STANDARD 2: PHYSICAL SCIENCE Grades 5-7
The student will apply process skills to develop an understanding of physical science
including: properties, changes of properties of matter, motion and forces, and
transfer of energy.
Benchmark 4: The student will understand and demonstrate the transfer of energy.
Indicator 4: ▲ The student understands that heat energy can be transferred from
hot to cold by radiation, convection, and conduction.
Missouri Science Standards (GLE’s):
Strand 1.2, Concept A (7th grade). Identify the type of materials that transfer
energy by conduction, convection, and/or radiation