Classroom Resources: Energy & Thermodynamics

1 – 14 of 14 Classroom Resources

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  Observations, Physical Properties, Interdisciplinary, Review, Culminating Project, Balancing Equations, Chemical Change, Exothermic & Endothermic, Calorimetry, Heat, Specific Heat, Temperature, Mole Concept, Dimensional Analysis, Measurements, Law of Conservation of Energy, Chemical Properties, Enthalpy, Graphing | High School

  Project: Handwarmer Design Challenge

  In this project, students will use their knowledge of thermodynamics to design a handwarmer for a manufacturing company that can maintain a temperature of 30-40°C for at least 5 minutes and is designed for the average human hand. Students will create a final product after rounds of testing and an advertising poster that summarizes the results of their testing and promotes their design.

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  Electricity, Renewable Energy, Galvanic Cells, Cathode, Anode | High School

  Video: Hybrid and Electric Cars Video

  This video explores the chemistry in the batteries that power hybrid and electric cars.

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  Temperature, Exothermic & Endothermic, Heat, Law of Conservation of Energy | High School

  Activity: Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

  In this activity, students observe industrial-strength snap sticks and chemical cold packs and discuss processes of endothermic and exothermic reactions.

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  Combustion, Exothermic & Endothermic, Heat, Heat of Combustion | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Video: The Internal Combustion Engine Video

  This video investigates both the mechanical and the chemical processes used in the internal combustion engine, as well as the history and evolution of the combustion engine.

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  Catalysts, Combustion, Activation Energy, Reduction, Redox Reaction, Oxidation | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Video: Catalytic Converters Video

  This video investigates the role of a catalytic converter and its corresponding chemical reactions within a vehicle. Students will learn about both oxidation and reduction reactions and how they, in combination with a catalyst, can impact the molecules released in a car’s exhaust.

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  Electricity, Renewable Energy, Heat, Galvanic Cells, Cathode, Anode | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Video: Alternative Fuels Video

  This video analyzes alternatives to petroleum based fossil fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells.

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  Renewable Energy, Radiation, Pros Cons of Nuclear Power, Combustion, Acid Rain, Radiation | High School

  Activity: Town Meeting

  In this activity, students will learn about acid rain, gas scrubbers, half-life, chain reactions, and other topics around electricity production through a debate on nuclear power.

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  Le Châtelier's Principle, Exothermic & Endothermic, Heat, Temperature, Activation Energy, Establishing Equilibrium, Equilibrium Constants, Reaction Quotient | High School

  Activity: Reversible Reactions Simulation

  In this activity, students will investigate how temperature, activation energy, initial amounts of products and reactants, and type of reaction (exo- or endothermic) effect the equilibrium position of a reaction using a simulation.

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  Atomic Theory, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Law of Conservation of Energy, Electrons | High School

  Activity: Simulation Activity: Exciting Electrons

  In this simulation, students will explore what happens when electrons within a generic atom are excited from their ground state. This is a qualitative investigation, not meant to mimic any particular atom.

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  Entropy | High School

  Activity: Entropy

  In this activity, students will define entropy and be able to recognize entropy changes in chemical reactions.

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  Density, Kinetic Molecular Theory, Entropy, Intermolecular Forces, Molecular Motion, Volume | High School

  Activity: Connecting States to Entropy

  In this activity, students use blocks to model different states of matter and the Kinetic Molecular Theory to understand the concept of entropy. This is a concept mandated by SAT level or AP level high school chemistry class.

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  History, Renewable Energy, Interdisciplinary, Radiation, Pros Cons of Nuclear Power, Radiation | High School

  Activity: Nuclear Energy Power Plants

  In this activity, students will conduct research and write a persuasive essay in which they state an opinion about whether the number of nuclear plants should be increased or decreased.

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  History, Renewable Energy, Interdisciplinary, Radiation, Pros Cons of Nuclear Power, Radiation | High School

  Activity: Nuclear Energy Debate

  In this activity, students will watch a debate between experts on the merits and drawbacks of nuclear energy. They will use this debate, as well as additional research, to write a short position paper on whether or not to continue using nuclear energy that explains and defends their opinion, as well as the chemistry involved in nuclear energy production.

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  Atomic Theory, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Law of Conservation of Energy, Electrons | High School

  Simulation: Exciting Electrons

  In the March 2015 issue, students explore what happens when electrons within a generic atom are excited from their ground state. They will see that when an electron relaxes from an excited state to its ground state, energy is released in the form of electromagnetic radiation.