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Subtopic
Number of Lessons
Essential Idea
Thermal physics deftly demonstrates the links between the macroscopic measurements essential to many scientific models with
the microscopic properties that underlie these models.
Nature of Science
Evidence through experimentation: Scientists from the 17th and 18th centuries were working without the knowledge of atomic
structure and sometimes developed theories that were later found to be incorrect, such as phlogiston and perpetual motion
capabilities. Our current understanding relies on statistical mechanics providing a basis for our use and understanding of energy
transfer in science. (1.8)
Learning Objective
(Skills, Content and Knowledge)
Suggestions
Understandings:
Utilization:
Guidance:
Aims:
Aim 3: an understanding of thermal concepts
is a fundamental aspect of many areas of
science
Aim 6: experiments could include (but are not
limited to): transfer of energy due to
temperature difference; calorimetric
investigations; energy involved in phase
changes
Lesson 1 Heat as Energy
Transfer
(i) Students rub tennis ball for short
period (say, 30s) on same sized
region (defined by cardboard cutout) on a surface and point infrared
thermometer at surface. They video
readout on infrared thermometer so
that they can later graph
temperature versus time for each
surface that has gained heat energy
generated by friction created with
the tennis ball. They discover
Newtons Law of Cooling.
(ii) Complete worksheet
Temperature & Energy using PhET
simulation Energy Forms and
Changes .
Lesson 2 Molecular Theory
(i) Powperpoint: Kinetic Molecular
Theory
(ii) Video: Kinetic Theory of Gases
(iii) Students complete examinationstyle questions on Kinetic Molecular
Theory from Topic 3 Student
Workbook
Lesson 3 Temperature and
Absolute Temperature
(i) Powerpoint
(ii) Youtube Video
(iii) Data analysis task
Resources:
Apparatus:
Infrared Thermometer, tennis ball, stopwatch,
cardboard cut-out to define fixed area , five
different surfaces, video camera.
ICT:
Powerpoint Heat as Energy Experiment
Vernier Logger Pro software.
Online simulations:
PhET Energy Forms and Changes
Worksheets
Temperature & Energy
Resources:
YouTube videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgiWDMJicQ&list=PLX2gXftPVXV5_bpfmFYbrtiS685z2pwk
Worksheets:
IB Topic 3 Student Workbook
Resources:
Powerpoint:
Topic 3 Lesson 3
Youtube video:
Absolute Zero and the Kelvin Temperature
Scale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=eEJqaNaq9v8
Lesson 4 Thermometers and
Temperature Scales
Graphing exercise where students
read temperatures in both Celsius
and Fahrenheit degrees and plot a
grph of corresponding readings to
determine the relationship between
the two temperature scales
Lesson 5 Internal Energy &
Phase Changes
Resources:
Resources:
Online simulations:
PhET Simulations:
Simulation Investigation:
Worksheets:
3.1 States of Matter
3.2 Evaporation
3.3 Energy Transfer During Change
of State
Resources:
Resources:
Apparatus:
Beaker, hotplate or bunsen, tripod & gauze,
2cm3 metal blocks, thermometer or
temperature sensor & Go-Link, calorimeter or
nested styrofoam cups, electronic balance,
tongs.
Youtube Video:
Calculating the Specific Latent heat of Fusion
of Ice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=wYBxuEQgrfc
Apparatus:
Ice, 2 nested Styrofoam cups , electronic
balance, Thermometer or temperature sensor
& Go-Link,
Lesson 8 Solving Problems on
Specific Heat
Completion of examination-style
questions on sub-topic 3.1 Thermal
Concepts
Resources:
Worksheets:
IB Topic 3 Student Workbook
Observation through sense perception plays a key role in making measurements. Does sense perception play
different roles in different areas of knowledge?
Links to the Learner Profile (Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded,
Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, Reflective)
The learners will use their analytical/creative thinking skills in accomplishing the assessment and activities given to them.
The topic of thermal physics is a good example of the use of international systems of measurement that allow
scientists to collaborate effectively
Subtopic
Number of Lessons
Essential Idea
The properties of ideal gases allow scientists to make predictions of the behaviour of real gases.
Nature of Science
Collaboration: Scientists in the 19th century made valuable progress on the modern theories that form the basis of
thermodynamics, making important links with other sciences, especially chemistry. The scientific method was in evidence with
contrasting but complementary statements of some laws derived by different scientists. Empirical and theoretical thinking both
have their place in science and this is evident in the comparison between the unattainable ideal gas and real gases. (4.1)
Learning Objective
(Skills, Content and
Knowledge)
Understandings:
Pressure
Equation of state for an ideal
gas
Kinetic model of an ideal gas
Mole, molar mass and the
Avogadro constant
Differences between real and
ideal gases
Applications and skills:
Suggestions
Utilization:
Guidance:
Aims:
Aim 3: this is a good topic to make comparisons
between empirical and theoretical thinking in
science
Aim 6: experiments could include (but are not
limited to): verification of gas laws; calculation of
the Avogadro constant; virtual investigation of gas
law parameters not possible within a school
laboratory setting
Resources:
Youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=4Jxu8VwOsSQ&hl=en-GB&gl=SG
Online simulation:
PhET Under Pressure
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/underpressure
Resources:
Websites:
IB Physics Stuff: Equation of State of an ideal Gas
http://ibphysicsstuff.wikidot.com/ideal-gases
Videos:
The Ideal Gas Law
https://vimeo.com/28118611
https://vimeo.com/72099319
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSFY7GKhSRs
Resources:
Youtube Video:
Crash Course Chemistry: The Ideal Gas Law
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxUS1K7xu30
Online simulation: PhET Gas Properties
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gasproperties
Resources:
Apparatus:
Vernier gas pressure sensor and Go-Link, syringe,
connectors, LoggerPro software
Experiment sheet:
Advanced Chemistry with Vernier Experiment
Experiment 30 Exploring the Properties of Gases
Resources:
Resources:
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/75151b
40-5d55-42d3-9975-a150cfd72c41/chemistry-701introduction-to-the-mole-and-molar-mass/
Videos:
https://vimeo.com/72099318
Worksheet #6 IBTopic 3 Student Workbook
When does modelling of ideal situations become good enough to count as knowledge?
Links to the Learner Profile (Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded,
Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, Reflective)
The learners will use their analytical/creative thinking skills in accomplishing the assessment and activities given to them.
The topic of thermal physics is a good example of the use of international systems of measurement that allow
scientists to collaborate effectively