energy

Upgrading a Classic Science Demonstration

Josh Kenney | Mon, 02/27/2023 - 09:31

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In a classic demonstration of energy conservation, smashing two large steel ball bearings generates sufficient heat to burn a hole through a piece of paper. Josh Kenney found this demonstration underwhelming because the paper doesn't look burned. So, he upgraded the experiment by covering the paper in Elmer's Color Changing Glue. Now, a spectacular color change reveals the increase in heat!

Heat, The Ocean, and Climate Change

Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 10/16/2020 - 10:14

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Learn a simple way to relate the heat equation (Q = mc∆T ) to climate change.

A different way to look at heat and energy....

Chad Husting | Sun, 04/03/2016 - 16:49

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Each year we work on specific heat of materials and the heat of fusion of ice. These are two labs that are typical for most chemistry classrooms. Most of the experiments involve a simple calorimetry experiment that uses a styrofoam cup and provides generally good results. There tend to be a couple of key ideas with all of these experiments.

A Modeling Approach to Energy Storage and Transfer

Erica Posthuma | Sat, 05/03/2014 - 15:57

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From the misconceptions fostered by the biology textbooks using the phrase “high-energy phosphate bond” to idea that energy comes in different forms, the Modeling community recognizes the challenges of teaching the energy concept and has developed a way of talking about energy designed to help students construct a consistent and cohesive model.

Cross-Discipline Discussions on Energy

Erica Posthuma | Sun, 04/13/2014 - 16:42

Have you ever thought about the ways we, as chemistry teachers, talk about the concept of energy?