JoinCool/Hot Tech
By Gabe Kraljevic
Posted on 2017-11-07
I have been thinking about getting a thermal imaging camera. Specifically, an attachment for an iPhone that allows it to do thermal imaging. If you had one in your classroom, what would you use it for? – R., Alaska
This is a great idea! Having a hands-on device to explore phenomena beyond our senses is an excellent tool for a science class. When I think of using thermal imaging technology (and I would include infrared thermometers) the following comes to mind:
Convection/Conduction: Set up an ambient temperature aquarium and turn on the heater. Track the convection over time through photos or time-lapse video. Heat or cool different materials and rank them in terms of conduction. Experiment with surface area, fans, colors, and their effects on heating and cooling.
Homeotherms vs. Poikilotherms: compare the body temperatures of “hot-blooded” and “cold-blooded” animals at different ambient temperatures.
Temperature gradients: Many students don’t really grasp what a gradient is. Have them graph temperature vs. distance for a variety of radiant heat sources.
Heat of vaporization: Students will discover that the temperature of boiling water is constant. This is where an infrared thermometer is excellent to use. Point it at a beaker of boiling water. The glass (measured from the side) will register 400+ °C while the water (measured from the top) will be at 100°C.
Hypo- and hyperthermia (within reason!). Have students over- and underdress for outside and map their temperature patterns and changes. Compare this to a dog. Most mammals handle hypothermia and hyperthermia differently than humans.
Engineering: Have students design insulated containers that keep a beverage warm for the longest possible time. Thermal images will allow them to assess and modify their creations.
Hope this helps!
Photo credit: By NASA/IPAC [Public domain]
I have been thinking about getting a thermal imaging camera. Specifically, an attachment for an iPhone that allows it to do thermal imaging. If you had one in your classroom, what would you use it for? – R., Alaska
What if you could challenge your fourth graders to use solar energy to provide the world with clean water? With this volume in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series, you can!
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
What if you could challenge your fourth graders to use solar energy to provide the world with clean water? With this volume in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series, you can!
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
Harnessing Solar Energy, Grade 4: STEM Road Map for Elementary School
What if you could challenge your fourth graders to use solar energy to provide the world with clean water? With this volume in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series, you can!
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
What if you could challenge your fourth graders to use solar energy to provide the world with clean water? With this volume in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series, you can!
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
Harnessing Solar Energy outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. The series is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.