Traditional introduction to specific heat

This presents a traditional lesson for students on the differences between how sand and water heat and cool that can be extended to a discussion of how that affect climate. Resources include... See More

This presents a traditional lesson for students on the differences between how sand and water heat and cool that can be extended to a discussion of how that affect climate. Resources include websites where students can collect data for days or a year of temperatures for both land and sea to extend this activity to real-world data. Could be adjusted to allow for more student inquiry by having students suggest other substances to test (local soils, sod, etc.).

Determing Specific Heat of Water versus Sand

The specific heat of substances is very difficult concept for some students to grasp. This lab has students compare the heat capacity of freshwater and sand and then derive the specific hea... See More

The specific heat of substances is very difficult concept for some students to grasp. This lab has students compare the heat capacity of freshwater and sand and then derive the specific heat of both substances. It has a very simple set-up and uses materials that most science classrooms should have. I love the tie-in with math. This lesson has some nice suggestions for extended learning.