Year 7 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 14
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Find the mistake
A student wrote this answer
"I used a thermometer to measure how much heat was in the water. The water in my small test tube read 85°C, which is higher than the big beaker at 60°C, so the test tube definitely has more heat energy in it. A thermometer measures heat, and more heat means a higher reading. That's why we use thermometers to compare how much thermal energy different objects have."
1. Identify ALL the scientific mistakes in the student's answer. There is more than one error.
2. Rewrite the student's answer correctly. Your version should accurately explain what a thermometer measures, and correctly compare the thermal energy in the test tube vs the beaker.
3. We often say "the stove is hot" or "the ice is cold" in everyday life. Explain why using the word "heat" in everyday language can cause scientific confusion, and what scientists mean when they use the word "heat" precisely.
1. The Nullarbor Plain in summer has road surface temperatures exceeding 70°C. A narrow strip of tar on the road heats to 70°C, but the surrounding soil at 45°C covers a much larger area. Which has more thermal energy — the tar strip or the larger soil area? Explain your reasoning using particle theory and the distinction between heat and temperature.
2. Design a classroom demonstration that would convince a sceptical student that heat and temperature are different things. Describe what you would set up, what measurements you would take, and what result would prove your point.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?