Description

In this temperature and particle motions activity, students will carry out investigations and explore models to “explain the relationship between changes in thermal energy in a substance and the motion of its particles (including phase changes)”.

Students can participate in FOUR investigations to gain a deeper understanding of how changes in thermal energy impact particle motion.

These are great stations that are easy to set up!

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This is a great activity for STATIONS, INDIVIDUAL LAB DAYS, DEMONSTRATIONS, FUN FRIDAYS, TEST PREP, AND MORE!

If you choose stations, you will need the station directions at each station. In addition, each student will need the student sheets for all four stations.

Station 1: Students will explore what happens to an inflated balloon when it is submerged in a bowl of ice-cold water. You will need a balloon, a big bowl of ice-cold water, measuring tape, a timer, towel/paper towels, and a permanent marker (optional).

Station 2: Students will explore how food coloring mixes in hot water versus cold water. You will need one clear cup of hot water, one clear cup of cold water, yellow and blue food coloring, and a timer.

Station 3: Students will explore what happens to water when a piece of plastic clear wrap is placed over a cup of hot water. You will need a cup of hot water, a large rubber band, clear plastic wrap, and a timer.

Station 4: Students will explore what happens to a balloon attached to a water bottle when placed in hot water and cold water. You will need a balloon, an empty water bottle, a container of hot water, a container of ice-cold water.

What’s included in each of these temperature and particle motion investigations?

Station/Lab Directions

Station/Lab Student Sheets

Example Answer Keys

Teacher Tips

This lesson pairs well with NC Essential Standard: 6.P.2.2 (current) and PS.6.1.2 (new standards) as well as other state standards dealing with thermal energy and its impact on particle motion in a substance.

This is a great support activity for NGSS standard MS-PS1-4.

★ If you like this temperature and particle motion activity, you may also like:

Expansion and Contraction Interactive Lesson

Heat Transfer Interactive Lesson

Energy Transfer and Transformations Interactive Lesson

Forms of Energy Gallery Walk

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Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

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