Overview
In this laboratory activity, students will investigate the amount of energy released by a burning candle as the heat is transferred to a sample of water.
This activity would introduce skills that are important for those interested in a career in engineering or chemistry.
NB Curricular Connections
Science 10
- Strand: Scientific Literacy – Big Ideas: Investigation – Skill Descriptor(s): Examine questions about relationships between and among observable variables to plan investigations; Collect and represent accurate data using appropriate tools and methods.
- Strand: Scientific Literacy – Big Ideas: Sensemaking – Skill Descriptor: Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to construct explanations and conclusions.
- Strand: Scientific Literacy – Big Ideas: Communication – Skill Descriptor: Develop scientific collaborative skills during investigations to communicate conclusions supported by data.
What You’ll Need
The following is based on a class size of 28 with students put into groups of two. The apparatus can be different than shown in the “What is Energy Lab” document. An old metal coat hanger works great as an alternative.
- 14 x copies of “What is Energy” instructional document
- 14 x small candles
- 14 x retort stand and ring clamps (or coat hanger bent to hold an aluminum pop can)
- 14 x aluminum pop can
- 14 x pencils
- 14 x 50 mL graduated cylinder (or another volumetric instrument)
- 14 x book of matches
Instructions
- Start the lesson by introduce the idea of specific heat capacity and how it relates to other substances. You may want to do a few examples or practice problems involving specific heat capacity.
- Break students into groups according to your needs. This assumes groups of two.
- Have student’s set-up the apparatus according to the materials you have available. A good idea may be to have an example in the front of the room or lab.
- Have the students conduct the experiment and record their data as indicated on “What is Energy Lab” instructional document.
- Have the students answer the questions provided using their data.
Extension Ideas
- Consider pairing this activity with the speaker series videos: What is energy? | Centre of Excellence for Energy (centresofexcellencenb.ca) from Science East
Reflection Activity
Coming Soon
Acknowledgments
- This resource was created by Emily Duff, a Science Teacher at St. Malachy’s Memorial High School in Saint John, NB
