Thermodynamics:
Everyday Examples in Engineering
Lesson Plans
This section contains lesson plans and solutions, most of which have been prepared using the principle of the 5Es: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate (1).
Second Law Concepts
- Balloons, Bicycle Tires, Turbine, Milky Coffee
- Candy, death, air-powered cars, ‘destructive’ walls
- Large Fan (Air Circulator), Cup of Tea, Geothermal Heat
- Engine
Thermodynamic Applications
Thermodynamic Properties
Video Demonstrations of Everyday Examples
Ideas for Lesson Plans
This section lists ideas that could be used to illustrate engineering concepts. Consider these ideas as you create your own lesson plans.
Thermodynamic Properties
- Balloons*
- Microwaves
*Source: Ilene Busch-Vishniac, Tom Kibler, Patricia B. Campbell, Eann Patterson, Darrell Guillaume, Jeffrey Jarosz, Constantine Chassapis, Ashley Emery, Glenn Ellis. Horace Whitworth, Susan Metz, Suzanne Brainard & Pradosh Ray
(1) Atkin, J.M. and Karplus, R. (1962). Discovery or Invention? Science Teacher, 29(5):45.