Learning Objectives

Students will study convection and how this process leads to different plate tectonic processes such as sea floor spreading and volcano formation. 

Standards Addressed

6-8 band

Science as Inquiry
Develop descriptions, explanations, and models using evidence and understand that these emphasize evidence, have logically consistent arguments, and are based on scientific principles, models, and theories.
Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models.
Chemistry and Physics
3.2.6.B3 - Give examples of how heat moves in predictable ways, normally flowing from warmer objects to cooler ones until they reach the same temperature.
3.2.7.B3 – Differentiate among convection, conduction and radiation
3.2.6.B6 – ENERGY: Demonstrate that heat moves in predictable ways from warmer objects to cooler ones
Earth and Space Sciences
3.3.7.A1 – Differentiate among the mechanisms by which heat is transferred through the Earth’s system.

Supplies/Materials/Articles Needed

Part 1 (per group of 4-5 students)
•       Vegetable oil  (~ ½ cup, depending on size of vessel used)
•       Cardboard scraps
•       Empty flat bottomed, heatable container (i.e. tuna can, Pyrex)
•       Two bricks
•       Candle
•       Matches
•       Graduated cylinder
Part 2 (per teacher demo)
•       3- 100mL beakers
•       210mL of water
•       Heat source (hot plate, bunser burner apparatus, etc.)
•       Red food coloring
•       500mg oatmeal
•       500mg of sawdust
•       Other options: rice, sprinkles, confetti

Preparation Time Needed

15 minutes

Class Time Required

1-2 45 minute class periods

Activity Description

This is an activity that was modified from PDE's SAS resource portal.  It offers two mini activities, one student investigation and one teaching demonstration, for exploring the movement of convection currents. This lesson is set up to have students use Claim, Evidence and Reasoning to both predict and analyze the investigations.

Attachment	Size
Heat Engine- Investigations in Convection Currents	86.88 KB