Hot and Cold: Exploring Temperature Changes Using Thermocolour Film

This booklet is part of the ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ series published by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP). Thermocolour film is a fascinating material that changes colour depending on the temperature. It allows a very wide range of phenomena to be explored much more readily than using a thermometer, and since different regions of the film can be at different temperatures, spatial variations in temperature can be shown. This makes it an ideal resource for allowing pupils to explore qualitative ideas about hot and cold, temperature differences, conduction and insulation, and energy flows.

Each of the sections in this booklet illustrates how the film can be used in different science topics, and includes ‘Classroom activities’ with practical suggestions and ‘Background science’ for those who want to know more. In addition, there is also a section that explains how thermocolour film works.

The ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ publications are supported by low-cost practical resources available from Mindsets:
* SEP publications and resources from Mindsets
* Practical resources for Hot and Cold