Thermal Conduction in Materials

10th GradePhysics40 min

aligned to Explain Why Some Materials Conduct And Others Do Not

Learning Objective

I can explain why some materials are good thermal conductors and others are not.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

6 min

GCSE Physics - Conduction, Convection and Radiation

Cognito

Guided Notes

8 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • In solids, heat is transferred by conduction, in fluids it is transferred by convection, and through empty space it is transferred by radiation.

  • Thermal conductivity determines how well objects transfer energy by conduction; metals have high thermal conductivity, while plastics and fluids have low thermal conductivity.

  • In convection, warmer, less dense fluid rises, while cooler, more dense fluid sinks, creating a convection current.

Practice

12 min

7 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Explain why metals are generally good thermal conductors, while plastics are not. Use the concept of particle vibration and collisions in your explanation.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts