Heat Hunt Teacher Guide Heat Hunt
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Standard
PS.6.2.1: Use models to compare directional heat transfer (Conduction, Convection, Radiation).
Duration
60 Minutes (Single Period)
Subject
Physical Science / Physics
Learning Objectives
Identify and define the three primary methods of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation.
Analyze visual models to determine the direction of heat flow (from hotter to cooler matter).
Compare the physical mechanisms (particle contact vs. fluid movement vs. electromagnetic waves) of each transfer type.
Core Vocabulary
Conduction
Heat transfer through direct contact between particles.
Convection
Heat transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases).
Radiation
Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves across space/air.
Thermal Equilibrium
When two objects reach the same temperature and heat flow stops.
Materials Checklist
Heat Hunt Slide Deck
Heat Hunt Doodle Notes (1 per student)
Colored pencils/markers
Timer/Stopwatch
Instructional Sequence
01
Engage: The Campfire Mystery (10 mins)
Open the lesson by presenting the Campfire Slide . Ask students to identify three different ways they would feel heat if they were sitting by a fire:
"Why does the metal roasting stick get hot in your hand?"
"Why does the smoke and hot air rise above the flames?"
"Why can you feel heat on your face even if you aren't touching the fire?"
02
Explain: Direct Instruction (20 mins)
Distribute the Heat Hunt Doodle Notes . Guide students through the presentation.
Teacher Tip:
Encourage students to use specific colors: Red for heat source, Blue for cooler areas, and Yellow/Orange for the "transfer" energy. This helps them visualize the standard's focus on direction .
Focus on the Particle Models . Discuss how conduction requires touching, convection requires movement of mass, and radiation can move through empty space.
03
Explore: Model Matching (20 mins)
Students work in pairs to identify "Heat Hunt" scenarios on the slides. For each image shown, they must:
Identify the heat source.
Identify the cooler object.
Draw an arrow showing the direction of transfer.
Label the method (Conduction, Convection, or Radiation).
04
Evaluate: Exit Ticket (10 mins)
Wrap up by having students complete the "Heat Direction Challenge" on the back of their doodle notes. They must explain why heat always flows from warmer to cooler matter until equilibrium is reached.
Scaffolding & Extension
Support
Provide word banks and pre-drawn arrows for direction of heat flow. Use real-world physical examples (ice cube in hand).
Extension
Have students research "Thermal Insulators" vs "Conductors" and how they affect the rate of transfer in these models.
Heat Hunt Slides Heat Hunt
The Direction of Energy Transfer
Conduction • Convection • Radiation
The Big Question
How does heat energy move between objects?
Heat energy ALWAYS moves from:
HOT
Source
COLD
Target
Thermal Equilibrium
This transfer continues until both objects reach the same temperature.
Method 1: Conduction
"The Hand-Off"
1
Requires DIRECT CONTACT between objects.
2
Heat is transferred through particle vibrations.
3
Works best in solids (dense particles).
Contact Model
Method 2: Convection
"The Loop"
1
Transfer through the movement of fluids.
2
Hot fluids rise and Cold fluids sink.
3
Creates a Convection Current.
Fluid Loop Model
Method 3: Radiation
"The Signal"
1
Transfer through Electromagnetic Waves.
2
Does NOT require matter.
3
Can move through the vacuum of space.
Wave Model
Heat Hunt Challenge
Which method is which?
A
B
C
Label A:
Heat moving through the handle.
Label B:
Hot water swirling inside.
Label C:
Feeling heat from the air.
The Direction Rule
Heat energy ALWAYS moves from matter with:
Higher
Energy
Lower
Energy
"Nature seeks Thermal Equilibrium!"
Thermal Equilibrium
When does the heat flow stop?
Transfer stops when both reach the same temperature.
50°C
Matter A
10°C
Matter B
Balance at 30°C
Ready for the Hunt?
Open your Doodle Notes. Use specific colors for each method!
Conduction
Contact
Convection
Fluids
Radiation
Waves
Heat Hunt Doodle Notes Heat Hunt Doodle Notes
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________
The Golden Rule
Hot
SOURCE
Transfer Direction
Cold
TARGET
Conduction
Scientific Definition:
Particle Contact Model
(Color the hot side & show contact)
Real World Example:
Convection
Scientific Definition:
Fluid Loop Model
(Draw hot and cold paths!)
Real World Example:
Radiation
Scientific Definition:
Wave Transmission Model
(Draw the energy rays!)
Real World Example:
Heat energy moves from ___________ to ____________ until ____________ is reached.
Scene Analysis: The Campfire
Identify the heat transfer method for each labeled part of the model.
Rising Hot Air
Feeling Heat on Face
Metal Roasting Stick
1 Why does heat energy always move toward the colder object?
2 Which method of heat transfer do you think is the "fastest"? Explain your thinking.
3 If you touch a wooden table and a metal desk in the same room, the metal feels colder. Is it actually colder? Explain.
Heat Hunt Answer Key Heat Hunt Answer Key
Teacher Reference Sheet - Doodle Notes Vocabulary & Lab Challenge
Conduction
Definition: Heat transfer through direct contact between particles. Heat energy "bumps" from one particle to the next.
Example: Metal spoon in hot coffee; touching a warm car seat.
Convection
Definition: Heat transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases). Warmer, less dense matter rises; cooler, denser matter sinks.
Example: Boiling water; hot air balloons; ocean currents.
Radiation
Definition: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves across space. Does not require matter to travel.
Example: Sunlight hitting Earth; heat from a toaster or heat lamp.
Campfire Model Solutions
Rising Hot Air
Convection
Feeling Heat on Face
Radiation
Metal Stick Handle
Conduction
Reflection Answer Guide
1. Why does heat move towards the colder object?
Heat is energy; nature naturally flows from high energy (hot/fast particles) to low energy (cold/slow particles) to reach equilibrium.
2. Which method is "fastest"?
Radiation is the fastest (speed of light). Conduction speed depends on the material; convection takes time for fluid to physically move.
3. Is the metal desk colder than the wood table?
No, they are usually the same temperature if in the same room. Metal feels colder because it is a better conductor and pulls heat away from your hand faster.
