Activity: Constructing a Model To Demonstrate That Heat Can Do Work

‣ Although we cannot see it, thermal energy can work for us. To demonstrate this, a simple project that you can make at home with a hot air balloon will help you discover how heat works. Follow the procedure below.

Precautionary Measures

• Read carefully the assigned home activity
• When performing the activity, look for a safe and well-ventilated place protected from spills, children and pets
• Conduct the experiment with adult supervision

Materials

• 8-inch Balloon
• Empty 1 liter glass bottle
• 2 pans
• Enough Ice & Cold Water to fill one Pan
• Enough Hot Boiling Water to fill another Pan

Procedures

1. Step 1. Place 8-inch balloon around the mouth of the empty 1 liter bottle
2. Step 2. Fill one pan with ice and cold water and fill the other pan with hot boiling water
3. Step 3. Place 1-liter bottle in the pan containing hot water and observe the balloon for 30-40 seconds
4. Step 4. Remove 1-liter bottle from a pan containing hot water and observe the balloon
5. Step 5. Place 1-liter bottle in the pan with the cold water and observe the balloon for 30-40 seconds
6. Step 6. Remove the bottle from the cold water and place on the table

Guide Questions