6th - 8th Grade Module 2 Concept 1

Cycle 1

What is thermal energy? How can thermal energy be transferred as heat?
Cycle Summary

In this cycle, students will answer the question, “What is thermal energy? How can thermal energy be transferred as heat?” Students will make observations and find patterns of energy within images.

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Session 1
Elicit

Students decide if an object is a source of thermal energy or not.

Engage

As a class, students work together to categorize various images as thermal energy or not thermal energy.

Session 2
Explore

Students participate in Energy Stations to see the different ways they can generate changes in thermal energy.

Session 3
Explain

Students watch a video and read information text in order to complete an explanation about energy, energy transfer, and conservation of energy related to thermal energy during their investigation.

Session 4
Elaborate

Students are presented with a design challenge to create a device that transfers heat through a chemical reaction.

Session 5
Elaborate

Students are presented with a design challenge to create a device that transfers heat through a chemical reaction.

Evaluate

Students evaluate whether or not their design met the criteria for a successful solution. Students compare class data and consider whether they would redesign their device.

Extend
Extend

Students explore endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions.