Heat and Temperature—Student Laboratory Kit

Product Details

This “series” of four hands-on experiments and one demonstration will provide students with an in-depth understanding of heat, temperature, and heat energy transfer. Students begin by comparing the thermal conductivity of five different metals. They then investigate the concepts of specific heat and calorimetry by heating metal samples and placing them into foam calorimeter cups filled with water. Next, students study heat transfer by means of infrared radiation, and explore the properties of heat-absorbing and heat-reflecting materials. Finally, using a sling psychrometer, relative humidity is determined to validate the significance of evaporation as a heat-removal method. A ball and ring apparatus is included as a teacher demonstration to show the expansion and contraction of metals in hot and cold environments, respectively. Versatile “activity stations” allow different student groups to work independently to explore a specific aspect of heat energy. Once one activity is completed, students move on to the next lab station. Detailed instructions and Teacher Notes are provided. Standard laboratory equipment and an infrared heat source are required, but not included. Enough materials for a class of thirty students working in groups of three.