Unit C: Heat and Temperature

Key Ideas   Unit Checklist

Pre-assessment: What do you know?


Figure C.P.1 – A worker tends to a smelter for melting metal.

Figure C.P.2 – Firefighters practice wearing heat-resistant suits.
Would you put your life in danger getting very close to high temperatures? Some people have to come close to extreme sources of heat as part of their job. Certain fire protection suits can protect you from temperatures of over 1100 degrees Celsius. That is hot enough to melt aluminum, gold, and copper!

What is it about a fire protection suit that makes it heat resistant? Why are fire suits always shiny silver in colour?

To answer such questions, you need to understand how heat affects substances and how heat moves from place to place. In this Heat and Temperature unit, you will learn about the particle model, how heat travels and how many interesting heat technologies work.

Pre-assessment Questions & Hints

Step 1: The Questions


This short pre-assessment is to find out what you might already know about the topic of interactions and ecosystems. Below are four questions. Think about them! If you need a hint, click on the question.

Optional: If you would like a place to write your answers, download this document.
What systems or devices for producing heat are in your home?
What usually happens to things when they gain energy? Do they move slower or faster?
Think about the last time you were around a campfire or fireplace.
Think about what is within the walls of northern Canadian homes, or think about your winter clothing.

Step 2: The Answers

 Click each of the suggested answers below – how do they compare to your thoughts and answers?
Several types of heat-producing technologies are used in Canadian homes. Natural gas furnaces are very common, but oil furnaces, electric heaters, gas heaters, and wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are used, too. You might find solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems supplying heat for some homes.
When particles gain heat energy, they move faster and further apart.
Heat can travel by conduction (direct contact), convection (mass movement of particles due to density difference), and radiation (transfer through waves).
An effective way to keep warm is by using insulation, which slows heat transfer. Often, heat loss is very important, such as heat loss from a home. The insulation in your home is intended to keep heat from escaping through the walls. When you are outside, you need to keep your body warm, and the insulation in your parka aims to prevent loss of body heat.

Step 3: Check In With Your Teacher

The start of a new unit is a great time to touch base with your teacher! Here are just a few reasons to consider contacting your teacher:

  1. Perhaps you found this pre-assessment quiz very easy because you have studied this material before, such as at another school. If so, it's important to tell your teacher.

  2. It's very good for your teacher to know you are starting a new unit; it will give them a good idea of your progress. It doesn't have to be a long message, just a "I'm starting Unit A; just thought you might want to know!"

  3. Your teacher may have special tips and suggestions for the unit you are starting.

  4. Just to say hi – your teacher always enjoys hearing from you!

To contact your teacher, post in the Course Questions Forum, send your teacher an email, or call on the phone if you like. Whatever way you choose, it's always a good idea to get in touch with your teacher – make sure you do it frequently.