Bing! Bang! Boom!

This is a hands-on lab. It requires some planning and work the night before to create a "patriotic" demonstration of transfer of heat energy. The lab allows for inquiry into convection, conduction, and radiation using water and disposable cups. To demonstrate radiation, the lesson calls for the use of a solar bag. These are available for ordering from most science supply stores. The lesson also supplies extensions and assessments. The lesson plan is an experiment on the transfer of heat energy. There is time allowed for journaling and observations. The students will layer water and then observe what happens over an hour time period. The website also lists ways to extend the activity and various ways to assess students understanding of the concepts.

Weblink address (URL): 
Bing! Bang! Boom!

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 
  • For a summary review, complete a hierarchy graphic organizer.
  • Take the major big ideas regarding heat and have students create pages (using 18” x 24” construction paper) that will be combined into a class Big Book of Heat.
  • In cooperative groups, students complete poster displays explaining how the three types of heat transference are involved with situations such as:
    • a candy bar melting in the car
    • a space heater warming up a room
    • a frying pan cooking a grilled cheese sandwich
    • a popsicle melting on the asphalt
  • Have students write a reflection essay explaining why popcorn pops in microwave and how the three types of heat transference are involved in the process.
Interdisciplinary opportunities: 
  • Over a seven-day period, have students keep a running list of examples of heat transference observed at home, with a short justification and explanation for each.
  • Have students become the science teacher at home by having them replicate the popcorn in the microwave activity for their families. Have the students then ask family members to explain why a microwave can pop popcorn.
  • Discuss with students the accessibility of electrical energy and the ability to survive without it. Have students design a home project that will assist people in time of power outages to have access to energy using simple heat transference. Projects could focus on helping people cook their food, heat water, keep warm, etc.

Helpful Hints

Activity #1 
For each group:

  • Container
  • Paper towels

For each student:

  • Ice cube

Activity #2 
For each group:

  • Set of two clear plastic cups
  • Thermometer
  • Container of ICE cold water (0ºC)
  • Blue food coloring
  • Container of ROOM TEMPERATURE water (23-25ºC)
  • Container of BOILING water (90-100ºC)
  • Red food coloring
  • Paper towels

For each student:

  • Clear plastic cup (5 oz.)
  • Small syringe

Activity #3

  • Solar bag
  • String

References

Contributors: 
Jennifer Hassell
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation