YEARS K–6 IDEAS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Three Possible STEM Lessons for K-6 Teachers to Use
By Kylie Hurd
1. Lesson/Activity: Hot and Cold Air
At a glance: Students conduct an experiment to observe what occurs when a gas is cooled. This lesson also provides instruction on
how to measure diameter of a balloon which is useful for the following activity.
NSW Syllabus:
Lesson
outcomes
A student identifies the observable properties of solids, liquids and gases, and that changes made to materials
are reversible or irreversible ST3-12MW
A student describes and represents mathematical situations in a variety of ways using mathematical terminology
and some conventions MA3-1WM
A student selects and uses the appropriate unit and device to measure lengths and distances, calculates
perimeters, and converts between units of length MA3-9MG
Teacher
background
information
Solids, liquids and gases are made up of particles. Particles in solids have less energy than those in liquids and
particles in gases have the most energy. More energy means more movement, so gas particles move and the
gas takes the shape of the container. When heat is removed from particles, the amount of energy they have is
lessened, so they do not move as quickly. The gas particles will continue to move, but the gas will take up less
space than before. Inflating a balloon, and then cooling it, demonstrates this point, as the only variable that is
changed is the temperature.
(NB: air particles will eventually pass through the surface of the balloon so the balloon will deflate even if the
temperature remains the same.)
Equipment Balloons, string/wool, 20 cent piece, black marker, wooden skewer, scissors, 30 centimetre ruler, refrigerator /
freezer (An Esky with ice in it will also work).
Risk
Assessment Scissors need to be used appropriately to prevent any accidents from occurring.
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 4