MAY 2014
SCIENCE LESSON PLAN
SUBJECT SCIENCE
CLASS PIONEER
PERIOD/TIME 2 Periods/80 minutes
THEME Energy
TOPIC Heat and Temperature
LEARNING OBJECTIVES The theme introduces pupils to:
 The use of various forms of energy for different purposes.
 The necessity to appreciate and conserve energy.
LEARNING OUTCOMES Students are able to:
 List common sources of heat.
 Differentiate between heat and temperature.
 Understand how heat flows from one object or place to another.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
 Introduction: Video, NGX Pioneer magazine, NGX Pioneer

Projectable Edition, laptop, set of speakers, LCD
projector.
 Main Lesson : Science textbook.
 Conclusion : NGX Pioneer Science Worksheet.
SKILLS AND PROCESSES Comparing and observing.
ETHICS AND VALUES Curiosity and open-mindedness.
Introduction (10 minutes)
Have the students watch a video on wildfire found at the link:
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/wildfire-photographer?source=searchvideo
Then, have them read the article ‘Wildfire’ from the National Geographic Explorer Pioneer magazine. As
they read, have them highlight the things needed to fuel a fire and how firefighters put out forest fires.
Next, discuss the article using the Projectable Edition of the magazine. Ask questions such as:
Name the three things a fire thrives on.
What do firefighters do to put out forest fires?
How does a fire help the ecosystem?
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Introduce the topic of the lesson:
In today’s lesson, we will be learning about Heat and Temperature.
Main Lesson (50 minutes)
Heat and Temperature
The Universe is made up of matter and energy. Matter is made up of atoms and molecules and energy causes the
atoms and molecules to always be in motion - either bumping into each other or vibrating back and forth. The
motion of atoms and molecules creates a form of energy called heat or thermal energy which is present in all
matter. Even in the coldest voids of space, matter still has a very small but still measurable amount of heat energy.
Energy can take on many forms and can change from one form to another. Many different types of energy can be
converted into heat energy. Light, electrical, mechanical, chemical, nuclear, sound and thermal energy itself can
each cause a substance to heat up by increasing the speed of its molecules. So, put energy into a system and it heats
up, take energy away and it cools. For example, when we are cold, we can jump up and down to get warmer.
Here are just a few examples of various types of energy being converted into thermal energy or heat:
1. Mechanical energy is converted into thermal energy whenever you bounce a ball. Each time the ball hits the
ground, some of the energy of the ball's motion is converted into heating up the ball, causing it to slow down at
each bounce.
2. Thermal energy can be transfered to other objects causing them to heat up. When you heat up a pan of water,
the heat from the stove causes the molecules in the pan to vibrate faster causing the pan to heat up. The heat
from the pan causes water molecules to move faster and heat up. So, when you heat something up, you are just
making its molecules move faster.
3. Electrical energy is converted into thermal energy when you use objects such as heating pads, electrical stove
elements, toasters, hair dryers, or light bulbs.
4. Chemical energy from the foods we eat is converted into heating our bodies.
5. Light from the sun is converted to heat as the sun's rays warm the earth's surface.
6. Energy from friction creates heat. For example when you rub your hands, sharpen a pencil, make a skid mark
with your bike, or use the brakes on your car, friction generates heat.
The more energy that goes into a system, the more active its molecules are. The faster molecules move, the more
heat or thermal energy they create. So, the amount of heat a substance has is determined by how fast its molecules
are moving, which in turn depends on how much energy is put into it.
For more information, go to:
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/light_lessons/thermal/heat.html
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Note: Discuss the topic of Heat and Temperature further with reference to the school science textbook.
Conclusion (20 minutes)
Reproduce the NGX Pioneer Science Worksheet and discuss the questions to further reinforce students’
understanding of the topic.
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