Heat, temperature and energy: a formative experiment-based module including the use of infrared cameras

Abstract

Abstract The historical development of the concept of energy can be brought back to the early studies of heat, suggesting that a unified treatment of heat, temperature and energy can be a possible route for teaching these complex subjects altogether. Here we present an experiment-based module centered on heat and temperature and on their relation with energy which was proposed to a class of prospective primary school teachers. The intervention redesigns a previously developed approach to include the concept of energy and use of infrared cameras. Learning outcomes are investigated through pre- / post-assessment questions, worksheets and final interviews.