Simulation and Lab - Lesson 2

Thermal Energy

& The Hydrosphere

Lesson 2

Sixth Grade

General Science - NGSS

Ms. Gunnell

●Not sure what to add yet

Review From Lesson 1

In Lesson 2 -

​Students will be able to:

• identify the variables needed to determine the total amount of energy in the system (MS-PS3.A)

• explain how to measure the total amount of energy in a system based on these variables (MS-PS3.A)

• define the dependent and independent variables that will be measured (MS-PS3.A)

• explain the relationship between temperature and average kinetic energy of particles in matter (MS-PS3.A)

• identify how certain variables (mass, type of container, etc.) will affect the amount of energy transfer (MS-PS3.B)

Pre-assessment lesson's vocabulary

Poll

Can you define or use this word in a sentence: Independent variable?

• Yes! I can do both.

• Maybe define it or write a sentence

• No. I cannot do either of them.

Poll

Can you define or use this word in a sentence: dependent variable?

• Yes! I can do both.

• Maybe define it or write a sentence

• No. I cannot do either of them.

Poll

Can you define or use this word in a sentence: Control variable?

• Yes! I can do both.

• Maybe define it or write a sentence

• No. I cannot do either of them.

Add New Vocabulary to Interactive Notebook

Define Variables
When Planning
An Experiment

The variable that is being

measured as a result of the

independent variable
causing an effect (ex:
temperature change)

The variable that is changed

and caused a change to

happen (ex: different types
of material(s)/substance(s),

amount of

material(s)/substance(s),

The other variables that are

not changed.

Dependent

Variable

Independent

Variable

Control

Variables

Evidence-tracker Graphic Organizer Directions & Options

Directions:

Graphic Organizer Options:

Fill out the Evidence-Tracker Graphic Organizer while you complete the Simulation and Lab Experiment activities. You are looking for the following evidence: temperature change (kinetic energy changing) and/or energy being transferred in a system or transformed into another form of energy. This graphic organizer will help you complete your Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning paragraph for Lesson 3.

1. Traditional Graphic Organizer

2. Flow Chart Graphic Organizer

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Simulation

Activity Directions

Directions Part 1

Students will:

1. Choose “Systems”

2. Decide which option

represents thermal

energy.

3. Decide which

generator works best

with your thermal

energy option.

Directions Part 2

Students will:

1. Decide on the final transformation of

energy.

2. Write down observations of the "energy

symbols" as they move through the

system.

3. Explain how energy is transferred and

transformed through your system.

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Post-assessment

of PhET Simulation & Thermal Energy

Poll

Which option did you choose to represent thermal energy?

Poll

Which option did you choose to use the thermal energy to generate electrical energy?

Poll

Which option did you choose the electrical energy to transform into ?

Lab Safety

1

Lab Safety Review

Wear safety goggles, gloves,
tie back hair, wear
closed-toed and flat-soled
shoes

Prepare
Read/understand the
experiment. Discuss/plan
the experiment with your
group.

Wear Protective Gear

Be Responsible
Wash hands and lab
instruments before/after
lab. Keep hands away from
face, body, and mouth. Don’t
touch, taste, or smell
materials unless told to.

Ask Questions
If you don’t understand the
directions, procedure, or
how to use the equipment.

3

2

4

5

Lab Safety Review cont.

No running, playing, fighting,
etc. No performing
unauthorized experiments.
Never work alone. No food
or drinks near lab materials.

Use Materials
Properly
Take only what you need.
Don’t cross-contaminate the
materials. Dispose of
materials in the labeled
buckets.

Never Fool Around

Report Accidents
Always report broken glass
or spilled substance(s) to the
teacher.

Emergency Procedures
Know where the fire
extinguisher is and how to
use it. Know where red
binder is in-case of a fire.
Know where Fire and
Corrosive Materials
Containment box is in class.

7

6

4

Open Ended

Do you agree to follow the Lab Safety Rules? If you disagree, please describe which rule(s) you don't agree with:

1. Prepare

2. Wear Protective Gear

3. Be Responsible

4. Ask Questions

5. Use Materials Properly

6. Never Fool Around

7. Report Accidents

8. Follow Emergency Procedures

Read-and-annotate the

entire lab for lesson 1-2

vocabulary.

1

<Click Here>

Lab Handout

Digitally /

DOC

●
Select FILE

●
Make a Copy

●
Share with

@agunnell@mitacademy.

org

Paper /
Pencil

Complete handout and turn

into wire basket when finished.

Choose How To Read-and-Annotate the Lab Experiment

Collaborate With Group

To Choose Experiment Option

1

Compare the temperature change of the same material with different masses when a specific amount of energy is added (or subtracted).

Option 3

Compare final water temperatures of the same substance after different masses of ice melted in the same volume of water with the same initial temperature.

​Option 1

Lab Experiment Options

Compare the temperature change of samples of different materials with the same mass as they cool or heat in the environment.

Option 2

Collaborate With Group

To Choose Substance(s)

1

Fertilizer Water

Option 3

Freshwater

​Option 1

Substance Options

Saltwater

Option 2

New Vocabulary Check-for-Understanding

Open Ended

What is the Independent variable in your experiment? What is being changed?

Open Ended

What is the dependent variable in your experiment? What is being measured?

Open Ended

What are the Control variables in your experiment? What is staying the same?

Design/Complete Lab Experiment

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