Texas TEKS 7.8

7.8 is a TEKS knowledge and skills statement. These are the student expectations under it.

• 7.8.A

  investigate methods of thermal energy transfer into and out of systems, including conduction, convection, and radiation

• 7.8.B

  investigate how thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all substances within the system reach thermal equilibrium

• 7.8.C

  explain the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of the particles within a substance.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students test how thermal energy moves by conduction, convection, and radiation. They trace energy from warmer matter to cooler matter until temperatures become equal. They connect higher temperature with faster average particle motion.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Given a setup or diagram, students identify the transfer method and support the choice with observed evidence. They draw energy arrows in the correct direction and predict thermal equilibrium. They explain temperature changes using particle kinetic energy.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may treat cold as something that flows or draw thermal energy moving from cooler to warmer. They may confuse convection with any movement and think radiation needs matter. Some assume particles get larger or stop moving at thermal equilibrium.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: On a diagram of a pot heating under a lamp, label conduction, convection, and radiation and add energy arrows. Explain what happens to particle motion after heating stops.

1. 01

   Run three stations: touch a metal spoon in warm water, observe dyed convection in heated water, and feel lamp warmth without contact.

2. 02

   Write: Why does a hot drink cool on a desk, and what happens to particle motion in the drink and air?

3. 03

   Sort scenario cards by conduction, convection, or radiation, then place arrows from warmer objects to cooler objects.

4. 04

   Compare an insulated lunch bag, a metal bottle, and a reflective emergency blanket, then explain which transfer method each limits.

• 3.8

  Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that energy is everywhere and can be observed in cycles, patterns, and systems. The student is expected to:

• 3.7

  Force, motion, and energy. The student knows the nature of forces and the patterns of their interactions. The student is expected to:

• 4.8

  Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that energy is everywhere and can be observed in cycles, patterns, and systems. The student is expected to:

• 5.8

  Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that energy is everywhere and can be observed in cycles, patterns, and systems. The student is expected to: