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7th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Toasty Travels: Heat's Journey!

Luis A
7.MS-PS3-6(MA)
7.MS-PS3-4
7.MS-PS3-3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to immerse 7th-grade students in the practical application of thermal energy principles by designing and creating scale models of energy-efficient homes. By collaborating with a local architecture firm, students will gain real-world insights into sustainable building practices and the science of heat transfer. The project encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students explore how to optimize energy efficiency through hands-on experimentation and community engagement. Through reflection and feedback, students will develop a deeper understanding of their learning process and build a strong sense of identity and belonging within their learning community.

Learning goals

Students will understand and apply the principles of thermal energy transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—by designing and constructing scale models of energy-efficient homes. They will develop self-directed learning skills through regular reflection and feedback sessions, enhancing their ability to monitor and direct their own learning process. Students will cultivate an academic mindset by establishing a sense of identity and belonging within their project teams, fostering self-efficacy. They will enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring innovative solutions to real-world challenges in energy efficiency, with guidance from professional architects.
Standards
  • [Massachusetts] 7.MS-PS3-6(MA) - Use a model to explain how thermal energy is transferred out of hotter regions or objects and into colder ones by convection, conduction, and radiation.
  • [Massachusetts] 7.MS-PS3-4 - Conduct an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, how well the type of matter retains or radiates heat, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.
  • [Massachusetts] 7.MS-PS3-3 - Apply scientific principles of energy and heat transfer to design, construct, and test a device to minimize or maximize thermal energy transfer.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will design and construct scale models of energy-efficient homes using sustainable materials, showcasing their understanding of thermal energy principles. These models will demonstrate how conduction, convection, and radiation are utilized to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Additionally, students will produce video presentations detailing their design process and the specific thermal energy strategies employed to optimize energy efficiency in their models.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Thermal Energy Field Day,' where students participate in interactive stations that demonstrate heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation. Activities include building solar ovens, testing various insulation materials, and experimenting with heat transfer using everyday objects. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and provide a foundational understanding of thermal energy principles, setting the stage for the upcoming project work.

Exhibition

The 'Thermal Energy Expo' will be a dynamic event where students present their energy-efficient home models to an audience of parents, community members, and professionals from the local architecture firm. Each student will host an interactive station that demonstrates the principles of conduction, convection, and radiation through engaging activities and visual displays. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback, fostering a collaborative environment that celebrates students' creativity and understanding of thermal energy concepts.