How can you design an insulated container?
Hands-on Activities
How can you design a container that keeps something cold?
Design & Build an Insulated Food Container
Lessons
Students will design and build a prototype of a device to keep food cold for a specified time.
Introduction to Heat Transfer
Backgrounders
Learn about the different ways that heat is transferred.
What Causes Hot Things to Glow?
STEM Explained
Getting electrons excited by heat can cause certain materials to give off visible light when heated - like filaments in light bulbs.
Lava Lamps
STEM Explained
Lava lamps are very interesting to look at. But they are also interesting examples of buoyancy, heat transfer and solubility!
Where Do Hurricanes Come From?
STEM Explained
Hurricanes are a kind of tropical cyclone. But where do they come from? And why do they cause so much damage? This article will answer all your storm-related questions!
What is Ocean Warming and Why Does It Matter?
STEM Explained
Oceans absorb the greatest amount of solar radiation on Earth. Ocean warming can lead to glaciers melting and ocean acidification.
What is an exothermic reaction?
Hands-on Activities
Things are heating up! Explore the temperature change that occurs in an exothermic reaction and the role of catalysts is this chemistry activity.
Thermopower and the Body Heat-Powered Flashlight
STEM Explained
Can your body be a source of electricity generation? Maybe, if you understand heat transfer. Explore this concept through a 2013 invention by a Canadian teen.
Tools: Thermometers
Picture Collections
6 images of some instruments such as clinical and baking thermometers that have been designed to measure temperature for specific purposes
Tapping Underground Energy with Heat Pumps
STEM Explained
Using the heat of the Earth’s interior, you can heat your home with a ground source heat pump. This kind of heating is cheaper and better for the environment!
Temperature: On Earth and on the Space Station
Backgrounders
This backgrounder explains what temperature is, how it is measured, how it affects people, and how it is controlled on the International Space Station.
How do an Airplane's Tires Help It Land Safely?
STEM Explained
Manufacturing and engineering airplane tires is important work! Learn how airplane tires keep the aircraft safe during takeoff and landing.
How do animals stay warm in the winter?
Hands-on Activities
Animals have some unique adaptations to stay warm. Discover what conduction of heat and insulation have to do with staying warm!
How Do Sleeping Bags Work?
STEM Explained
How do our bodies get cold? How do sleeping bags keep us warm?