Lesson 1: The Mitten Problem

Overview

In this introductory lesson, students are presented with a formative assessment probe, The Mitten Problem, to elicit their ideas about sources of heat. Students design and conduct a follow up investigation to further investigate their developing ideas about heat.

Key Ideas

Objects and substances are not inherently “warm” or “cold.”

Lesson Goals

Students will:

Explore their current ideas about heat.
Be able to differentiate between a heat source and objects or substances affected by a heat source.

Lesson Resources

Download Lesson Plan (10 pages, 776 KB)

Student Handout 1.1: The Mitten Problem - Probe (560 KB)

Teacher Resource 1.1: Thermometer Overhead
(592 KB)

Supplementary activity for using and reading a thermometer accurately.

Online Extensions

Explore WGBH's Surviving Winter. This media-rich activity explores the various physical and behavioral adaptations that animals rely on to help them survive changing environmental conditions, such as the arrival of winter.

Learn more about Maine's Chester Greenwood, inventor of the ear muffs.

Connection to Maine Agencies

A Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP) representative and will come to interested schools, free of charge, to guide and support the concepts in lesson.

For schools in Aroostook County, a Maine Public Service (MPS) representative will come to interested schools, free of charge, to guide and support concepts developed in this lesson.