Tillery, Enger, and Ross (2008) state that thermodynamics is the study of heat and its connection to mechanical energy. This includes the study of heat engines and all types of energy transformation. Teaching thermodynamics in a 21st century classroom requires the use of technology, engineering, and cooperative groups. However, incorporating current technology into the classroom can be difficult. The use of technology like I pad, Skype and Facebook are not assessable in most classrooms. Students spend most of their free time on ipads, twitter, Facebook and Skype. However, schools are limited by the use of these 21st century tools. Currently the only technology at my school is an interactive whiteboard, computers and flip cameras. My school does not even have wireless internet capabilities. Therefore, implementing current 21st century tools in a unit on thermodynamics can be challenging.
I would use Flip cameras to record the student’s journey into the understanding of thermodynamics. I found a great opening idea at ehow.com. Peter (2011) suggests introducing thermodynamics by having students work in cooperative groups to see how energy is transferred in a rubber band. The experiment requires rubber bands, an infrared thermometer, and a computer. The students stretch the rubber bands in one minute intervals, each time taking the temperature of the rubber band. The students could graph their temperature readings on a computer using excel or word. Peter (2011) states that the students will understand how the work that is stretching the rubber bands is converted into heat. This would be a great cooperative learning activity where students could help each other learn about thermodynamics. They could record their experiment using the flip cameras. This would allow the students to evaluate their participation and understanding of the experiment. The flip cameras could also be used for peer evaluations of the experiment.
The next step would be to implement engineering into this unit of study. I found two great activities where students could learn hands on about thermodynamics. Students could first create a pop-pop boat ( http://www.ehow.com/how_12002602_make-poppop-boats.html).
The construction of the boat can vary from simple to complex. The students could work in cooperative groups to create their boats in a guided inquiry or open inquiry. The students could also challenge each other by experimenting on how to increase the speed of their boat. Cooperative groups could run trails and graph their information on the computer. The students could then create a blog of their experiment. The students could include step by step instructions on how to make the boat and include the results of their experiment on their blog. The students could input pictures to help others re-create their boat. I also found a good site where students could create their own steam engine (http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/Education_in_BLM/Learning_Landscapes/For_Teachers/science_and_children/steel_rails_and_iron/posterback.print.html).
This engineering activity is a little more complex; however I feel that students would gain insightful knowledge on how a steam engine works. If my school had the capability, I would use Skype for this activity. The students could Skype to schools across the country. They could show the students how they made their boats and show how their boat works. They could then ask for suggestions and feedback on their experiment.
Hopefully, one day schools will be caught up with the 21st century technology that surrounds us. Until then, using what is available at your school is better, than not using any technology at all.
References
Peter, M. (2011). Science projects in thermodynamics. Retrieved from ehow.com
Newman, S. (2012). Full steam ahead-How to build a miniature steam engine. Retrieved fromhttp://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/Education_in_BLM/Learning_Landscapes/For_Teachers/science_and_children/steel_rails_and_iron/posterback.print.html.
Tillery, B. W., Enger, E. D., & Ross, F. C. (2008). Integrated science (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Vossos, T.(2011). How to make pop-pop boats. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_12002602_make-poppop-boats.htm
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