Sea the Heat

This resource, aimed at Key Stage Two, investigates heat transfer as one of the principles of heat pumps used to heat lifeboat stations. Linking to the topics of materials and their properties and changes of state, children learn how heat moves from high energy (warm) to lower energy (cold) down a gradient and how insulating materials may be used to reduce the escape of heat energy. Working scientifically children make predictions and test what will happen to the temperatures of both hot and cold water when a temperature gradient is created. They measure and record the temperature at intervals, create line graphs to show this data, and then apply their knowledge to everyday situations such as heating buildings and cooling food in fridges. This resource, which has been produced by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), includes background information, a lesson plan and worksheets to carry out the investigation.