What is Temperature?
Learning Target
Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
Develop a model to describe and understand the phase changes that happen in the Earth's atmosphere.
Success Criteria
I can create and describe a model of how matter can change phases.
I can interpret data.
I can relate phase changes to temperature changes.
Questions to Ponder...
What exactly does a thermometer measure?
How does a thermometer work?
Can you define hot and cold with out using the words?
To understand what is happening with weather on a large scale, you need to understand what is happening with some of the smallest things that we can observe.
Have you ever wondered...
Thermometers used to be filled with a metal called mercury. What's unique about mercury is that it is liquid at room temperature. We have found that mercury can be very toxic so today thermometers are either filled with rubbing alcohol or they are digital.
The two scales most frequently used with thermometers are the Celsius (mostly used in science) and Fahrenheit. For the following lab we will be using another scale that can be used, called the Kelvin Scale.
States of Matter Simulation
During the following simulation you will learn about the structure of different types of matter as it goes through its various phase changes.
Create a new heading in your notebook labeled States of Matter Simulation.
Atoms and Molecules
In this simulation you will be observing atoms and molecules. The images to the right show the difference between the two.
How would you describe the differences between the two?
Click here for the Periodic Table of the Elements which is how all of the elements (atoms) are organized.
You may have noticed that some of the atoms are in pairs. Groups of 2 or more atoms are called Molecules. You may be familiar with some molecules without knowing it. O² is a molecule combining two oxygen atoms. It makes up 20% of the air that we breath. H²O is another molecule with which you may be familiar. It combines two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Do you know another name for H²O?
Get the Simulation Ready
Click the link for the simulation.
Choose "States."
Select Neon and Solids.
Simulation Warm-up
In this simulation you will be observing matter. Matter is anything that has volume and mass.
Observe the simulation. What are some things that you notice?
The round objects inside the container are atoms. Atoms are the basic unit of a chemical element. Atoms make up everything that exist everywhere.
You will notice that the atoms are moving. The energy of movement is called Kinetic Energy.
Choose Oxygen and observe.
Question - What are some other parts of the simulation that you can control?
Part A - Solid, Liquid, Gas
Get the Simulation Ready
Select Neon and Solids.
Question: How will the atoms and molecules behave when you switch between solids, liquids, and gasses?
Observe the atoms of Neon, Argon, Oxygen, and Water as a solid. Draw a diagram to represent the movement of the solids.
Observe the atoms of Neon, Argon, Oxygen, and Water as a liquid. Draw a diagram to represent the movement of the liquid.
Observe the atoms of Neon, Argon, Oxygen, and Water as a gas. Draw a diagram to represent the movement of the gas.
Analyze: How does the kinetic energy of the atoms change as you switch to the different states of matter?
Hypothesis - How do you think the atoms and molecules will change if you added or removed heat energy?
Experiment - Test your hypothesis and record the results.
Question - What causes the atoms and molecules to react the way they do when adding and removing heat energy?
Part B - The Kelvin Scale
Get the Simulation Ready
Select Neon and Solids.
Question: How are states of matter affected by a change in temperature?
Predict how the temperature will change as you change to the various states of matter.
Observe each of the states of matter of each of the atoms and molecules, paying special attention to the temperature.
Question - What happens to the temperature when you change the states of matter?
Analysis
Compare your prediction to what actually happened in the simulation. How are they similar and different?
Analyze the data and look for patterns.
As a team, construct several sentences that describe the data. Use each of the following terms as you write:
matter
heat energy
kinetic energy
atoms and molecules.
Success Criteria
I have compared my prediction to what happened in the simulation.
I have recognized a pattern or patterns in the data.
I have written several sentences with my group using the correct terms to describe the data.
I can describe what happens when heat energy and kinetic energy of atoms and molecules increase and decrease.
Assessment
Questions
Go to the following link to answer some questions about what you have learned.
Extend Your Thinking
Explain how a thermometer works. Create a diagram (with labels) in your Science Notebook to help explain how you think a themometer works.
Use the terms we discussed in class to explain what is happening in a thermometer.
Meteorology