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.

You can access all of the games on Legends of Learning for free, forever, with a teacher account. A free teacher account also allows you to create playlists of games and assignments for students and track class progress. Sign up for free today!

Image for Heredity and Gene Mutations
Heredity and Gene Mutations Estimated Duration: 4 minutes Explore the world of genes through the fascinating information of gene mutations!
Image for Eureka! - Artificial Evolution
Eureka! - Artificial Evolution Estimated Duration: 12 minutes Get ready to dive deep into the heart of genetics and unlock the secrets of the DNA! You will explore the mysteries of life's building blocks like never before.
Image for Basketball Master
Basketball Master Estimated Duration: 12 minutes Shoot a basketball through the hoop and answer some questions along the way! The game does not have any instructional content, it simply has review questions spread throughout.
Image for Newton Pool
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.
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