Convection Box (Debbie Brenner)
Author
Debbie Brenner, Santa Clarita Christian School
Principles
behavior of gas as a fluid
warm air is less dense than cool air, experiences a lesser force due to gravity, and rises
convection procedure and flow of air: transmission of heat by the movement of heated gases, which move as a current
Demonstration of Bernoulli's principle: Fluids flow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure
Standards
NGSS Science & engineering standards
Asking questions
develop and using models
NGSS Cross-cutting concept standards
Cause and effect
systems and system models
energy and matter
stability and change
NGSS Disciplinary core idea standards
From molecules to organisms (HS-LS1)
ecosystems: Interactions, energy and dynamics (HS-LS2)
Earth and human activity (HS-ESS3)
Matter and Its Interactions (HS-PS 1)
Materials needed
convection box
tea candle
lighter
rolled up piece of paper or incense stick
tongs
Procedure
Light candle in convection box and place under one of the chimneys.
Close glass window and allow inside of box to heat several minutes.
Light incense stick or rolled up paper and allow to burn and smoke for a few minutes.
Hold incense stick just outside the second chimney, opposite from the chimney over the candle.
Observe the path of smoke in the convection box.
Record observations in a labeled drawing.
Explanation
Provide a solid scientific explanation for the principles illustrated by the demonstration equipment.
Questions
How was the air inside the convection box warmed?
Why is the inside of the box painted black?
What happens to the smoke of the incense stick/paper as it is placed near the opening of the glass chimney opposite the candle? Why does this happen?
Explain what happens to the smoke after it enters the convection box.
Everyday examples of the principles illustrated
Explain how temperature affects the circulation of ocean water.
Investigate The Theory of Plate Tectonics to discover how scientists explain how continents can move.
Urban heat islands, sea breezes, hot air balloons: NOAA resource page
Investigate convection on the sun.
Photos
Movies
References
http://www.csun.edu/~jrs95812/comps/convectionbox/index.htm.htm
http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/louviere/Lessons/les7.html