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Is Heat Energy Only Found In Hot Things? Think Again!

Writer's picture: Heuristics ScienceHeuristics Science

Updated: Feb 5

Is Heat Energy Only Found In Hot Things? Think Again!

When you think of heat energy, what comes to mind? A warm cup of tea, the glowing sun, or perhaps a steaming bowl of soup? It’s easy to assume that heat energy is found only in things that feel hot. But the truth is, heat energy is everywhere, even in objects that might feel cold to the touch!

 

Did you know that even a block of ice has heat energy? It might sound strange, but every object with molecules in motion contains some level of heat energy. That means heat energy exists not just in hot things but in all kinds of objects around us – even your cold metal chair. So, how does this work, and how can we help our children grasp such mind-blowing concepts? 

 

The science of heat energy 

 

Heat energy, or thermal energy, is all about movement. When molecules in an object vibrate or move faster, the object feels warmer. When they slow down, the object feels cooler. But even in something as cold as an ice cube, the molecules are still moving, just at a much slower pace compared to boiling water. This motion is what gives ice its heat energy. 

 

Let’s take an example from everyday life: when you touch a metal spoon left in a pot of hot soup, it feels hot because heat energy has travelled from the soup to the spoon. This process is called conduction, where heat moves from a warmer object to a cooler one. Even when the soup cools, the heat energy doesn’t just disappear – it spreads into the surrounding air. 

 

Exploring heat energy through fun experiments 

 

Your curious young learners can discover the wonders of heat energy through hands-on activities. Imagine placing your hands on different materials like wood, metal, and plastic. Which feels colder? Why do metals feel cooler than wood, even at the same room temperature? These simple experiments introduce children to the idea of heat transfer, sparking their interest in science. 

 

At Heuristics Science, we offer a P1 & 2 Science Explorer Lab, a fun and interactive 10-week workshop designed for Primary 1 and 2 students. While science isn’t officially part of the school curriculum for these levels, this programme is the perfect way to nurture their curiosity. From exploring heat energy to understanding the basics of how things work, these workshops set a strong foundation for their future learning. 

 

Heat energy is all around us 

 

Heat energy plays a role in countless everyday scenarios. Think about how your refrigerator works – it removes heat from the food inside and releases it into the room. Or consider how your hands feel warm after rubbing them together. That’s friction converting mechanical energy into heat energy. 

 

Teaching children to observe and question these phenomena encourages critical thinking. For example, why do we wear gloves in winter? It’s not because gloves generate heat but because they trap the heat energy from our bodies, keeping us warm. These simple lessons make learning science relatable and fun. 

 

Encouraging early interest in science 

 

Even though there’s no primary 1 science for your curious 7-year-old, this is the best time to spark children’s interest in the world around them. A great way to do this is through a science workshop in Singapore, like the P1 & 2 Science Explorer Lab, which turns everyday observations into exciting learning moments. 

 

Engaging your child in such activities helps them understand concepts like heat energy in a practical and enjoyable way. More importantly, it sets them up for success when they start formal science lessons later on. After all, hands-on workshops improve your child’s science knowledge by giving them the skills to excel. 

 

Conclusion 

 

Heat energy is not just in hot things – it’s everywhere, from the icy touch of metal to the warm glow of sunlight. Helping children discover these everyday wonders paves the way for a deeper understanding of science. 


At Heuristics Science, we’re committed to guiding young learners through their scientific journey. Our primary and secondary science tuition in Singapore uses the specialised TCR Answering Technique, guided practice, and practical applications to build strong science foundations. Let’s make science exciting and accessible for every child.

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