1. Science 7: Unit C – Heat and Temperature
Topic 1: Using Energy from Heat

2. Heat Energy = Thermal Energy
Heat is a form of energy where the particles which make up materials move faster than colder particles. Heat energy is also known as thermal energy.
Humans have learned to control heat ever since we discovered how to start fires. The first fires were basically open fire pits either outside (early humans) or inside (the last 3000 years). These open fires, known as hearths, were very dangerous, bad for the environment, and not very efficient.

3. Heat Energy = Thermal Energy
Nowadays we use thermal energy to do everything from heat our homes, dry our hair and clothes, and generate electricity. They are much safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.
Heat energy varies from material to material and it also varies depending on the state of matter.
We rely on many different devices that use heat energy to do their job: toasters use heat energy to bake toast; car with internal combustion engines use heat to power the engine; greenhouses use the sun’s heat energy to keep plants warm; gas fireplaces burn natural gas to provide heat for a home.