Thermal Conduction in Materials

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Objective

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

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Cognito · 5:45Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Cognito on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

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

  3. 3

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

Part 3 of 4

Practice

7 questions

1

Explain how particles transfer thermal energy in conduction.

2

Why are metals generally good thermal conductors?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

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

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

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