In this activity, students use drama to model science ideas about atoms and molecules, transferring heat and the process of combustion.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- appreciate that everything is made up of very small particles
- understand why scientists use models to explain ideas
- understand differences in structure of a gas, liquid and solid in terms of particles
- understand how particles respond to heat
- understand how heat transfer occurs
- understand that, in a chemical reaction, a rearrangement of particles occurs
- develop an understanding about a combustion reaction, specifically in the combustion of methane gas.
Nature of science
Things in the microworld are so small that scientists can’t see them. Because of this, they develop different sorts of models to make it easier for them to see how these tiny particles might function.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- introduction/background notes
- what you need
- what to do.
Related content
Explore some of the big science ideas and concepts behind this activity with these articles:
Also see Alternative conceptions about fire.
Learn more about the power of drama our recorded webinar Understanding science through drama with Dr Carrie Swanson.
