Feel the Heat
Source Institutions
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WGBH
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In this design challenge activity, learners design and build a solar hot water heater. Their goal is to create a heater that yields the highest temperature change. In the project guide, learners are encouraged to think about this problem within the context of space and space travel. This activity encourages learners to explore the design process and the scientific method.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $10 - $20 per student
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- aluminum foil
- large sheet of cardboard (e.g., 11 x 17 inches / 28 x 43 cm)
- gooseneck lamp with an indoor 100-watt floodlight light bulb (optional if using sunlight)
- black marker
- black paper
- 2 paper cups (medium-sized)
- 3 feet (0.9 m) clear plastic tubing (Outside diameter: 1/4 inch/6 mm)
- pitcher of water
- ruler
- scissors
- straws
- duct tape
- an indoor-outdoor digital thermometer that can read tenths of a degree
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Technology
- Energy and Power
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Heat Transfer
- Light and Optics
- Sunlight and Color
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Communicating Results
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection:
- Design Squad Nation
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2010
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, 0810996
