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Subject: Heat & Temperature

Science activity that demonstrates temperature perception
Cold Metal

"Cold" metal and "warm" wood may be the same temperature.

Science activity that demonstrates convection
Convection Currents

Make your own heat waves in an aquarium.

Science activity that demontrates the movement of a fluid undergoing convection
Convection Detection

Create a convection cell inside a CD case.

Science activity that demonstrates effect of temperature on density
Cool Hot Rod

Objects change size when heated or cooled.

Science activity that demonstrates the Curie point phenomenon
Curie Point

When a piece of iron gets too hot, it loses its attraction to a magnet.

Science activity that demonstrates a heat engine
Dipping Bird

A dipping bird seems to go forever—but it's not perpetual motion.

Science activity that demonstrates the kinetic behavior of gas
Gas Model

A fun way to visualize gas molecules in constant motion.

Science activity that explores the properties of gases and the anatomy of an egg
Gassy Eggs

Eggsplore gas properties while making a snack.

Science activity that demonstrates how geysers work
Geyser

Just spew it—build your own cyclic hot water fountain.

Science activity that explores heat absorption by different-colored materials
Give and Take

Dark-colored materials absorb and emit energy more readily than light-colored materials.

Science activity that shows the effect of temperature on pressure
Hand-Held Heat Engine

Make the liquid in this toy rise and fall in a cycle.

Science activity that explores infrared radiation through a parabolic mirror
Hot Spot

Focus the invisible light from an electric heater.

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Attribution: Exploratorium Teacher Institute