The Temperature-Sensing Lunchbox

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Science Scope

Volume

42

Issue

1

Publisher

National Science Teachers Association

Publication Date

8-1-2018

First Page

47

Last Page

52

Abstract

The faster atoms within a system or object move, the more heat is produced. Because thermal energy comes from particles' random motion, it cannot be understood through direct observation, making it challenging for students to understand the concept. Because thermal energy flows through a system that includes warm air outside of the lunchbox and cold air inside, the variance in temperatures results in differences in the transfer of energy. The lunchbox is coded with set temperature intervals at which the lights change color, so the longer the lights take to change, the more effective the insulation of the lunchbox is. Because students are designing a device that minimizes thermal energy transfer, they will want to maximize the period of time between light changes.

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