Convection currents

Students work together to show convection currents in the air. They construct a paper propeller that will be caused to spin as a result of the transfer of heat energy through the air.

A lesson plan for grade 6 Science

By Jillian Dube

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Related topics

• Learn more about conduction, convection, currents, energy, labs, observation, physics, radiation, and science.

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• see convection currents as heat travels through the air via currents.
• define convection and give examples.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

55 minutes

Materials/resources

Copy/outline of the scientific method,

For each group of four students:

• Cup (or mug)
• Index card
• Scissors
• Pin
• Tape
• Paper
• Hot water

Technology resources

Teachers could follow up with a movie on heat energy from BrainPOP, found in the science section.

Pre-activities

Students will need to be familiar with the terms conduction, convection, radiation, and heat transfer.

Activities

1. Discuss conduction, convection, and radiation.
2. Have students come up with everyday examples of conduction, convection, and radiation. Share ideas.
3. Distribute lab sheet and review directions.
4. Establish lab rules. Divide class into groups of 3–4.
5. Cut a triangle of card just a little wider than the cup.
6. Tape a pin to the top corner of the index card so that the point is upwards.
7. Cut a strip of paper two-by-ten-centimeters. Fold it in half at an angle to make an "L" shape. Open it again to make a propeller.
8. Fill the cup with hot water. At this point, it is advised that the teacher come to the table with the boiling water and pour for them.
9. Balance the propeller on top of the pin and let it go.
10. Have students record observations and make conclusions. What happened when you let the propeller go? Why? For how long?
11. Have students write a well-organized paragraph about how this lab demonstrates convection currents.

Assessment

Students will be assessed via the completed lab write-up.

Supplemental information

Comments

You may want to use a coffee pot to heat the water. This works well and can be left on the coffee burner to keep water warm.