Skip to content
PlayOwl

Science · Grade 6

Thermal Energy and Transfer

Learners separate temperature (how fast particles move on average) from thermal energy (the total energy of all the particles' motion) and predict that energy always moves from warmer to cooler objects. They identify conduction, convection and radiation, use heat-transfer simulation data and temperature–time graphs to compare conductors and insulators, then apply criteria and constraints to evaluate and improve an insulated container.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 115 minutes
  • Thermal energy and transfer check: 11 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, draw a graph, highlight a text, type a number and put in order
Try it now (no account) One of the five free starter courses Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Distinguish temperature from thermal energy and predict the direction of thermal energy transfer between objects at different temperatures until they reach the same temperature.
  • Identify and explain conduction, convection and radiation in everyday situations using the particle model.
  • Use simulation data and temperature–time graphs to compare how quickly conductors and insulators transfer thermal energy.
  • Apply measurable criteria and constraints to evaluate and improve the design of a container that slows thermal energy transfer.

Lessons

  1. Temperature and thermal energy 9 steps5 practiceabout 25 min
  2. Conduction, convection and radiation 8 steps5 practiceabout 25 min
  3. Conductors, insulators and data 9 steps5 practiceabout 25 min
  4. Designing an insulated container 9 steps5 practiceabout 25 min
  5. Thermal energy and transfer check 11 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Marble MountainLay straights, curves, drops and splitters to roll marbles down the mountain.
  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.

More 6th grade science

Guide for grown-ups