Temperature, Thermal Energy, and Particle Motion Science Games

8 games

In this series of games, your students will learn about the relationship between thermal energy and temperature, and how temperature is measured. The Temperature, Thermal Energy, and Particle Motion learning objective — based on NGSS and state standards — delivers improved student engagement and academic performance in your classroom, as demonstrated by research.

Scroll down for a preview of this learning objective’s games and the concepts they drive home.

Concepts Covered

Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. Thermal energy measures the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. The greater the motion of particles, the higher a substance’s temperature and thermal energy.

A substance’s total thermal energy depends on its temperature, number of atoms, and physical state. More atoms and higher temperature mean more thermal energy. If all other conditions are the same, substances in gas form have the most thermal energy, followed by liquids, then solids.

Temperature can be measured with a thermometer. The matter inside a thermometer expands as its particles gain thermal energy and move. There are three scales for quantifying temperature:

Degrees Fahrenheit (℉)
Degrees Celsius (℃)
Kelvins (K)

Scientists can also measure temperature based on the color of light an object gives off. This is useful if an object is far away, or if it is too hot to touch.

A preview of each game in the learning objective is found below.

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Temperature, Thermal Energy, and Particle Motion Estimated Duration: 4 minutes Thermal energy, or internal energy, is the total energy from the random movement of particles, while temperature measures the average kinetic energy of those particles. A larger amount of a substance, even at a lower temperature, can have more total thermal energy than a smaller amount at a higher temperature. This video explores the concepts of Temperature, Thermal Energy, and Particle Motion.

Geofyra Estimated Duration: 22 minutes In this game, you will have to use newly gained knowledge of temperature and thermal energy to rescue a lost space drone. Be warned! There are space pirates, meteorite monsters, and lava organisms standing in your way! You'll need to outsmart the extra-terrestrials and move quickly to ensure you are not captured. Play this game to learn about measuring temperature and save the drone.

States of Matter: Basics - States Estimated Duration: 10 minutes Observe different types of molecules form a solid, liquid, or gas. Heat or cool the system and watch the phase change. Note: Students will automatically move through this simulation after 10 minutes of playtime.

States of Matter: Basics - Phase Changes Estimated Duration: 10 minutes Heat, cool, and compress atoms and molecules and watch as they change between solid, liquid and gas phases. Pump more atoms and molecules into the system or change the temperature or volume of a container, and see a pressure-temperature diagram respond in real time. Note: Students will automatically move through this simulation after 10 minutes of playtime.

Popsicle Tycoon Estimated Duration: 15 minutes As a proud owner of a popsicle factory, you will have to use your knowledge of thermal energy to create the perfect popsicle.

Friction Estimated Duration: 10 minutes Learn how friction causes a material to heat up and melt. Discover what happens on an atomic level when you rub two objects together! Note: Students will automatically move through this simulation after 10 minutes of playtime.

Glacier Prison Estimated Duration: 20 minutes Escape this prison of ice as a fire mage as fast as possible. It is also advisable to spare as much thermal energy as you can in the process, as you might need it later to keep yourself warm.

Newton Pool Estimated Duration: 15 minutes The game consists of hand-crafted levels where the player controls a white ball. The goal of each level is to get the white ball to the end of the level in as few moves as possible, while racking up points by bumping golden balls into obstacles on the way! The game does not have any instructional math content, it simply has math review questions spread throughout.

Galaxy Escape Estimated Duration: 20 minutes 10 Bright Monsters have been captured in space and they need your help to cross the galaxy jumping between platforms, finding them, and releasing them by correctly answering each question. Each monster that you release and unlock will be available to play with in the next level, in the search for the next monster. In your journey, you’ll be able to find power-ups, like ‘Double points’ and ‘Slow down’, which can be activated by finding gems, and their duration can be extended by correctly answering a question. Unlock and release the 10 different monsters and a spaceship along 10 different levels, while you make the most possible points.

Temperature, Thermal Energy, and Particle Motion Science Games

Concepts Covered

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