Lesson Plan | Teachy Methodology | Thermodynamics: Thermal Machines

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This stage of the lesson plan aims to ensure that students have a clear understanding of the main objectives they should achieve by the end of the class. By understanding these objectives, students will be more focused and motivated to participate in practical activities, and they will be able to contextualize their learning within the current digital and technological reality.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the basic functioning of thermal machines and their application in real life.

2. Apply thermodynamic concepts to solve practical problems related to the efficiency and heat generated by thermal machines.

3. Analyze the feasibility of different types of thermal machines based on their efficiencies and operating conditions.

Side Objectives

1. Develop critical thinking skills when investigating the applicability of thermal machines.
2. Encourage collaboration and teamwork through practical activities and group discussions.

Introduction

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this initial stage is to engage the students and relate their prior knowledge to practice. By seeking interesting facts and answering key questions, students begin to contextualize the studied content in a practical and relevant way. This also creates a foundation for a richer and more collaborative discussion during the class, as they will have already shared information and ideas on the topic.

Warming Up

Introduction: Warm-up

Thermal machines are devices that convert thermal energy into mechanical work, playing a crucial role in various areas, from electricity generation to the operation of vehicle engines. During the introduction, ask the students to use their mobile phones to find an interesting fact about thermal machines. They can look for curiosities about historical inventions, modern applications, or even surprising statistics. This will help connect the topic to their everyday lives and spark initial interest.

Tell them: 'Now, using your phones, find an interesting fact about thermal machines and share it with the class.'

Initial Reflections

1. What is the main function of a thermal machine?

2. Did you know that car engines are a type of thermal machine? Can you tell us more about other examples?

3. How can the efficiency of a thermal machine impact energy consumption and sustainability?

4. What are the current challenges in optimizing thermal machines?

5. How do the thermal machines we study relate to modern everyday life and the technologies we use?

Development

Duration: 65 - 75 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide an interactive and practical learning experience, where students can apply their knowledge of thermodynamics in a contextualized and relevant manner. The proposed activities aim to stimulate creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, using modern digital technologies to make learning more engaging and dynamic.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 -  Digital Detectives of Thermodynamics

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Apply thermodynamic concepts to problem-solving and investigate the feasibility of thermal machines, as well as stimulate research, collaboration, and presentation skills.

- Description: In this scenario, students will become digital detectives to solve a mystery. They will have to investigate a fictional case where a thermal machine invented by a scientist has been stolen. The machine has special characteristics, and students must use their knowledge of thermodynamics to understand its functioning and identify the thief.

- Instructions:

• Divide the students into groups of up to 5 people.

• Provide them with a digital document with clues and detailed descriptions of the thermal machine (including its efficiency and cycles).

• Ask them to use their phones and computers to search for additional information online about similar thermal machines.

• Students must calculate the efficiency and the heat generated by the machine to understand how it might have been used by the thief.

• Each group must prepare a digital report (it could be a Google Docs) and a presentation (using a platform like Canva or Google Slides) to present their findings and justify their choice of suspect based on thermodynamic evidence.

Activity 2 -  Building Future Thermal Machines

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Stimulate creativity and practical application of thermodynamic concepts, as well as develop skills in digital design, collaboration, and communication.

- Description: In this activity, students will be challenged to create a digital prototype of an innovative and sustainable thermal machine. They must think about how this machine could be used in the future, considering energy needs and sustainability.

- Instructions:

• Divide the students into groups of up to 5 people.

• Provide a brief tutorial on using Tinkercad (an online 3D design tool) so they can create the digital prototype.

• Ask each group to design an innovative thermal machine, considering the concepts of efficiency and heat generated.

• Students should document in a digital report (Google Docs or similar) the calculations made to justify the technical characteristics of the machine.

• Each group must create a presentation (using tools like Google Slides or Canva) explaining how the machine works, its benefits, and its application in the future.

• Ask them to share a short video (like a simulation or an explanation of a maximum of 3 minutes) on the class social media (it could be a closed group on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok) to engage other students and present their ideas.

Activity 3 -  Thermodynamics Quiz Show

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Reinforce learning through a playful and competitive activity, promoting collaboration and the practical application of thermodynamic concepts.

- Description: Turn the classroom into a game show studio with an interactive quiz about thermal machines. Students will compete in groups to see who can correctly answer questions based on calculations of efficiency and heat generated by thermal machines.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 people.

• Use a platform like Kahoot! or Quizizz to create an interactive quiz with questions related to thermal machines, including efficiency and yield calculations.

• Explain the game rules: each group must discuss and decide together the correct answer to each question. The team must submit an answer using the interactive platform.

• Encourage students to use their mobile devices to access the quiz and participate actively.

• After each round, briefly discuss the correct answers and explain the involved concepts.

• At the end, announce the winning group and offer a symbolic reward (like a digital certificate or a virtual badge).

Feedback

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to reflect on learning and reinforce the concepts discussed during the class. By sharing discoveries and receiving feedback, students have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and develop communication and collaboration skills.

Group Discussion

 Group Discussion

Promote a collective discussion where each group will have the opportunity to share their findings and conclusions. Use the following outline to start and guide the discussion:

1. Introduction: Ask each group to briefly present their findings and conclusions about the investigated case or about the thermal machine they designed.
2. Highlights: Ask each group what were the most challenging and most interesting points during the activity.
3. Interconnections: Encourage students to discuss how the concepts learned relate to other subjects or the real world. For instance, how does thermodynamics apply to sustainability and energy savings in their daily lives?
4. Key Learnings: Ask each group to highlight a key learning they would like to share with the class.

Reflections

1. What difficulties did you encounter when calculating the efficiency and heat generated by thermal machines? 2. How did the concepts of efficiency and sustainability influence the design of your thermal machine? 3. In what ways did group work and collaboration help solve the problems encountered in the activities?

360° Feedback

 360° Feedback

Instruct students to carry out a 360° feedback step, where each group member should receive feedback from the other members. Guide them to ensure that the feedback is constructive and respectful, highlighting positive aspects and suggesting areas for improvement. Use the following steps to facilitate this activity:

1. Positive Feedback: Each student should share a positive point observed regarding the work and participation of their colleagues.
2. Improvement Suggestion: Each student should suggest an area in which the colleague could improve, using respectful and constructive language.
3. Feedback Summary: Ask each student to summarize the feedback received in one or two sentences and share it with the group.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning and connect the dots between theoretical concepts and their practical applications. By summarizing and reflecting on the class, students can see the relevance of what they have learned and feel motivated to continue exploring thermodynamics in their future academic and professional journeys. Additionally, we reinforce the connection with the modern world, showing how the discussed concepts are practically and innovatively applicable in real life.

Summary

 Fun Summary 里

And thus, we put together the pieces of the thermodynamic puzzle! We imagined thermal machines as detectives solving mysteries and designers creating the future. We explored efficiencies, heat, and cycles as true scientists. ‍‍ We solved crimes and designed innovations, all while diving into today's digital world.  Who would have thought that thermodynamics could be so exciting? 

World Connection

 In Today's World 

Thermodynamics is everywhere! From the engine in your car to the air conditioning in your home, these thermal machines make the world go round. And with the growing need for sustainable solutions, understanding the efficiency and impact of these machines is more relevant than ever. In the modern world, where technology is advancing rapidly, mastering these concepts places us at the forefront of innovation.

Practical Application

 Applications in Everyday Life ️

Mastering the thermodynamics of thermal machines is essential. Not just for engineers and scientists, but for anyone who wants to better understand how we optimize energy, save resources, and design a sustainable future. Every time we turn on an engine or cool an environment, we are applying these fundamental principles.