3rd Grade Heat Transfer Module

The 3rd Grade Heat Transfer Module is an engaging interactive activity to teach students the concept of heat transfer. Teachers check out a CERT Heat Transfer kit which contains components for 8 stations. The module also includes a link to an instructional video to show teachers how to set up the activity. A classroom instructional video is then used to guide the students through the activity.

This module links directly with the science curriculum “Essential Standards and Clarifying Objectives” for 3rd grade. Specifically, it aligns with the Energy: Conservation and Transfer standards, 3.P.3. To request a CERT 3rd Grade Heat Transfer kit or additional information, please contact us at CERT@ncat.edu.

Getting Started:

1.Read the Educator Introduction document and watch the Educator Preparation video found under “Basic Module” below.
2.Determine which date you will use the kit.
3.Contact CERT@ncat.edu to have a kit delivered the day before you will use it.

Basic Module:

CERT Educational Series, 3rd Grade Heat Transfer, Educator Introduction

CERT Educational Series, 3rd Grade Heat Transfer, Educator Preparation 10 min. instructional video for teacher (explains set-up and classroom preparation)

CERT Educational Series, 3rd Grade Heat Transfer, Step-by-Step Set-up: simplified steps to assist teacher with kit setup

Classroom Video: CERT 3rd Grade Heat Transfer, Basics

CERT Educational Series, 3rd Grade Heat Transfer, Student Lab Sheet (pdf)

Kit containing the components for 8 individual experimental set-ups for the classroom:

  • 16 insulated cups (8 each labeled A or B) and 16 cup liners
  • 1 cup for cooling thermometers
  • 16 foam lids
  • 8 Aluminum bars
  • 1 extra aluminum bar to be used before experiments
  • 16 digital thermometers
  • One hot water pot
  • A portable mouse
  • A memory stick containing all files listed above
  • A notebook with all documents listed above and below

Supplementary Materials:

Additional Documents:

CERT Educational Series, 3rd Grade Heat Transfer, Student Lab Sheet Answer Key

PowerPoint presentation of video. Use if you wish to (1) deliver the material yourself, or (2) make changes to the presentation material, and deliver the material yourself.

CERT Educational Series, 3rd Heat Transfer, Basics.pptx