Science KS 3 Unit 8I Heating and cooling

In this unit pupils:

• recognise the need for a temperature scale.
• learn to distinguish between heat (as energy) and temperature.
• learn about mechanisms of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation, and apply this to familiar contexts.
• learn about expansion and change of state in solids, liquids and gases.
• use the particle model to explain conduction, convection and change of state.

In scientific enquiry pupils:

• draw and interpret line graphs from data collected.
• carry out a survey of people's perceptions of common temperatures.
• investigate the effectiveness of different forms of insulation, controlling relevant variables.

This unit is expected to take approximately 10 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• a range of thermometers
• temperature sensors and dataloggers
• range of insulating materials, eg felt, expanded polystyrene, duvet filling, cork, thermal lining for curtains
• 'energy houses' - lidded boxes which can be insulated using a variety of materials of varying thicknesses, using Velcro pads
• information on insulation in the home
• vacuum pump
• radiant heater
• 'ball and ring' or other expansion demonstration apparatus
• salol (phenyl salicylate)