Lesson Plan Originally Created By:
Dave Susuras
Thermoelectric Devices
Part of Unit: Force, Work, Rate, Power, Energy, and Resistance
Lesson Plan Overview / Details
In this lesson students will learn about thermoelectric devices (TED) and plot Voltage Vs Temperature graphs for the devices. Thermoelectric devices work two ways. When a voltage is applied to them one side gets hot and the other side cools. Some travel coolers work this way. The other mode works the opposite way. When the device is subjected to a temperature difference, it produces a voltage. It is like a solar cell that responds to heat.
Lesson Time 2 Class Periods
- Introduction
- 30 Minutes
- Lab Activity
- 60 Minutes
- Debrief/ Assessment
- 30 Minutes
Standards
California Career and Technical Education Standards
- ED.D.D4.4 Know how energy is transferred; know the effects of resistance in mechanical, el...
- ED.D.D6.5 Calibrate and measure objects by using precision measurement tools and instruments.
- ED.E.E9.3 Apply the concepts of environmental and natural science to the tools, equipment,...
- ED.FS.11.0 Demonstration and Application
- EU.B.B1.2 Know the new and emerging energy resources.
California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)
- ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis...
3 - M.5.SDAP.1.2 Organize and display single variable data in appropriate graphs and representati...
1 - M.6.MR.2.3 Estimate unknown quantities graphically and solve for them by using logical reas...
- M.7.AF.4.1 Solve two-step linear equations and inequalities in one variable over the ration...34
- M.7.MG.3.2 Understand and use coordinate graphs to plot simple figures, determine lengths a...21
- M.7.MR.2.3 Estimate unknown quantities graphically and solve for them by using logical reas...1
Objectives and Goals
- Students will discover what a Thermoelectric device is.
- Students will measure the output of a Thermoelectric device
- Students will imagine and write a paragraph about new uses for Thermoelectric devices
Activities in this Lesson
- Thermoelectric devices freeze and boil water - Hooks / Set
Students will watch a YouTube Video of a TED freezing and boiling water.
- Thermoelectric Device in Action [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ] A video that shows a TED freezing and boiling water
- What is a TED? - Lecture
A class lecture briefly discussing how a TED works and its modes of operation. Then an energy flow diagram for the US showing all the lost energy. Then some applications for TEDs to reclaim some of this energy. Students will take notes during the lecture.
- Thermoelectrics [ Download ] Theory and application of TEDs
- Temperature VS Voltage - Lab / Shop
Upon completion of this lab students will produce a graph that describes the relationship between voltage and temperature for a thermoelectric device (TED). This graph will serve as a quick reference to determine the voltage output for a given temperature difference. Graphs, like the one you will produce, are used by engineers to determine if a particular device is appropriate for a particular situation.
- Voltage VS Temp [ Download ] Lab instructions for Voltage VS Temp Lab
Assessment
- Assessment Types:
- Writing Samples,
Students are assigned to write a paragraph describing a new way to apply a TED that has not been discussed in class.
