After studying properties of matter we took off with what happens to that matter once we add heat to it. I introduced this lesson by using a blow dryer to heat some crayons on a canvas it was "the best day ever!"
The students observed that the crayons melted due to hot air from the blow dryer.
For our next experiment we took away the hot air. Our goal was to change a bag of chocolate chips. Students rubbed the bag in their hands or blew on to the bag. After a few minutes the students found that their chocolate chips began to melt as well, but this time it was from their own body heat.
This was also observed with ice cubes students held in their hands. They found the ice in their hand melted much quicker than the ice they left on our class plate.
This was also observed with ice cubes students held in their hands. They found the ice in their hand melted much quicker than the ice they left on our class plate.
After learning that hot air and our own body heat could melt objects we decided to bring in a real world problem. Students did a quick study on polar bears and learned that the bears were losing their homes. We saw pictures of polar bears on icebergs far out from their main land. The question around the room was "What is making the ice melt?" students were excited to solve this problem. We created some different sized example icebergs, set them into our oceans, placed a polar bear on top and after a few minutes found our answer!
The water was warmer than the ice!
The water was warmer than the ice!
A quick misconception took place after all these test. Students stated that when heat is applied to matter "things melt". We investigated a bit further by looking at other food items like popcorn, bread, and cake. Students quickly realized that heat could also cause liquids to become solids or change shape completely.
For our last observation students learned what happens to water when heat is added to it. Students poured a small amount of water on the sidewalk. We discussed our heat source, the sun. Students watched as their water disappeared. I had a few quickly call out "evaporation!" I was impressed with their background knowledge! Students learned that liquids could also turn to gas when heat was applied.
It was a great week of learning!
For our last observation students learned what happens to water when heat is added to it. Students poured a small amount of water on the sidewalk. We discussed our heat source, the sun. Students watched as their water disappeared. I had a few quickly call out "evaporation!" I was impressed with their background knowledge! Students learned that liquids could also turn to gas when heat was applied.
It was a great week of learning!