Thermal Energy Transfer 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 Transfer.

Driving question: "How do heating duration and liquid mass influence the rate of thermal energy transfer and temperature rise in water samples?" Objective: Investigate the quantitative relationship between thermal energy transferred, sample mass, and particle kinetic energy by measuring water temperature increases over measured time intervals.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (Regulated electric immersion heating…; Two 250-mL insulated calorimeter cups…; High-precision digital immersion…; Digital balance accurate to 0.1 grams…), 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 640 words (~4 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.