Note: The terms heat energy and thermal energy may both be used in this unit. Heat energy is the more familiar term for younger students and is useful in introducing the topic. The term thermal energy is the preferred scientific term, and should be introduced during the unit to help prepare students for later grades.
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What do the students already know? | Can the students describe the difference between heat and temperature? | What must they Learn? | What heat-related technologies are used in a sustainable way |
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General Learner Outcome | Specific Learner Outcomes | Instructional Focus |
Focus 1 | Using Thermal Energy |
| Illustrate and explain how human needs have led to technologies for obtaining and controlling thermal energy, and to increased use of energy resources |
1.0 | - History of Heat - History of Thermology - technological devices - personal and societal choices - sustainable choices | Timeline / Inspiration Timeline / Inspiration Lab activities Research and Scientific Reports / Case Study
Research and Scientific Reports |
Focus 2 | Nature of Thermal Energy |
| Describe the nature of thermal energy and its effects on different forms of matter using informal observations, experimental evidence and models |
2.0 | - heat transmission in different materials - heat transmission ( conduction, convection and radiation ) - Particle Theory - heat and temperature - thermal expansion | Lab Activities
Scientific Illustrations
Particle Model of Matter Comparative Analysis Lab Activities |
Focus 3 | Heat and Temperature |
| Apply an understanding of heat and temperature in interpreting natural phenomena and technological devices |
3.0 | - natural production of thermal energy - passive and active solar heating - evaluate materials - technological devices and systems - household devices - heat losses | Lab Activities
Science Olympic Activities
Problem Solving Activities Building Models
Lab Activities Lab Activities |
Focus 4 | Thermal Energy Issues |
| Analyze issues related to the selection and use of thermal technologies, and explain decisions in terms of advantages and disadvantages for sustainability |
4.0 | - sources of heat - energy consumption - consequences of energy use | Research / Internet Resources Labelling Case Study / End of Unit Project |