Thermal Energy & Particle Motion Interactive Simulation | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Thermal Energy & Particle Motion.

Driving question: "How do energy transfer, sample mass, and material type interact to govern temperature changes and the achievement of thermal equilibrium?" Objective: Measure temperature changes during heat transfer between water samples of varying mass and temperature, determine thermal equilibrium points, and compare specific heat capacities of water versus aluminum.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (2 insulated Styrofoam calorimeter cups…; 2 digital temperature probes accurate…; 1 100 mL graduated cylinder for…; 1 electric laboratory hot plate with a…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 700 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.