The Heat Is On! Using Particle Models to Change Students' Conceptions of Heat and Temperature

Abstract

ABSTRACTElementary, middle-level, and high school science teachers commonly find their students have misconceptions about heat and temperature. Unfortunately, student misconceptions are difficult to modify or change and can prevent students from learning the accurate scientific explanation. In order to improve our students' understanding of heat and temperature, we created a three-part instructional activity designed to engage them in the development of kinetic particle models. First, the students use household materials—food coloring and water—to investigate and create particle models depicting motion at the molecular level. Second, the students complete a similar activity designed to help them visualize the connections between heat and particle motion. Third, the students build a thermometer, observe it in action, and create particle models explaining how the thermometer works. By the end of the series of activities, the students are able develop their own definitions for heat and temperature. Through this hands-on and minds-on series of activities, students learn to define and differentiate the concepts of heat and temperature.