3rd Grade - Xtreme Energy
Standards: S3P1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the ways heat energy is transferred and measured.
a. Ask questions to identify sources of heat energy (Examples could include sunlight, friction, and burning). b. Plan and carry out an investigation to gather data using thermometers to produce tables and charts that illustrate the effect of sunlight on various objects (Fahrenheit and Celsius). c. Use tools and every day materials to design and construct a device/structure that will increase/decrease the warming effects of sunlight on various materials. |
Driving Question: How can we increase or decrease the warming effects of an object we use in our daily lives?
Project Summary: Students will think of items that may need to be kept cool or warm or examples or reasons why you need to stay warm or cool (examples may be water bottles on field day or in the classroom, staying warm or cold in extreme weather emergencies, staying cool on the playground, camping, heating food or staying warm/cool during the day/night, or animal shelters). They will explore heat through various hands-on experiences taking notes on a lab report form on a chosen experiment/activity. They will later use this information write an explanatory piece in language arts class. Through the inquiry and research process, students will begin to brainstorm with group peers. They will use tools and every day materials to design and construct a device/structure that will increase/decrease the warming effects. Students will identify sources of heat energy that can be used (sunlight, friction) and why they chose the materials.