Explore the different man-made and natural heat sources with this sorting activity.
Is it a Man-Made or Natural Heat Source?
When learning about heat (thermal) energy, it is important for kids to learn about the different man-made and natural heat sources to enhance their awareness of the world around them and foster a deeper connection to their environment. Knowledge of man-made sources, such as stoves, heaters, and engines, empowers children to make informed energy use and safety decisions. Additionally, exploring natural heat sources, including the sun, geothermal energy, and volcanic activity, instills an appreciation for the Earth’s dynamic processes and the sustainable energy options available.
A teacher has created this sorting activity to help students navigate the world of heat energy and the difference between man-made and natural heat.
How to Use This Sorting Activity in the Classroom
- Begin the lesson with a brief discussion about heat sources. Talk about what heat is and mention that it can come from both natural processes and human-made objects.
- Engage the students in a brainstorming session to generate a list of heat sources. Record their responses on the board or a flipchart. Encourage them to think broadly, considering sources inside and outside the classroom.
- Explain the difference between man-made and natural heat sources. Emphasize that humans create man-made sources, while natural sources occur in the environment without human intervention.
- Using this set of sorting cards, place them at different stations around the room. Provide each group with sorting mats and instruct them to categorize each heat source accordingly.
- At the end, have a discussion about objects the group was unsure about.
Download and Sort Today!
Use the dropdown menu to choose between the easy-to-print PDF or the editable Google Slide version of this resource.
This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter collaborator.
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