Investigating Heat Transfer – Convection

EXPLORATION

UPPER ELEMENTARY  |  SCIENCE

Investigating Heat Transfer:

Convection

Students will observe the process of convection heat transfer.

Time

20 Minutes

Setting

Inside

Collection Group

SOLAR COOKING

 

Standards

• S3P1. Students will investigate how heat is produced and the effects of heating and cooling, and will understand a change in temperature indicates a change in heat.
  • c. Investigate the transfer of heat energy from the sun to various materials.

Materials

• Cold blue-dyed water
• Hot red-dyed water
• Clear container; consider re-purposing glass jars, plastic cups or bottles
• Funnel

Procedures

1. Fill a clear cup with cold blue-dyed water. Use a funnel to introduce hot red-dyed water to the bottom of the clear container.
2. Notice that the red water rises by convection then the water changes to purple as the heat energy is transferred from the warmer area to the colder area.

Explorations in this Collection

Designing Solar Ovens

Designing Season-Extenders for the Garden

Investigating Heat Transfer – Conduction and Insulation

Investigating Heat Transfer – Convection

Investigating Heat Transfer – Ultraviolet Radiation

Measuring the Urban Heat Island Effect

Competing in an Ice Cube Race