Introduction to Thermal Runaway

In this investigation, students make observations about how thermal energy is transferred and how transferred heat starts fires. Students compare the surface to mass ratio of a block of wood and a toothpick, then compare how easily they ignite. Students then make observations about how different materials ignite and burn. The classroom investigation can be done with materials list provided, or by using the video to make the observations for classrooms that are not allowed to use an open flame.

This engineering and design investigation gives students a challenge - how to create a battery pack enclosure for a hoverboard using simple materials, how to test those materials for tensile strength and thermal performance, and redesign the enclosure based on the tests results. This series of classroom investigations is best done in small groups of students. This classroom investigation is best done in small groups of students.

Portable Electrical Power is a virtual module with supporting classroom investigations about the phenomenon of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries using the example of hoverboards. This module is a collection of videos, virtual interactions, experiments and demonstrations, and challenges and supports NGSS in physical science for middle school. The PEP module can be done as a class from start to finish or in pieces between home and school. This module can be used to support content understanding in energy and/or to demonstrate the NGSS science and engineering practices applied to a real-world issue.

One of UL's FSRI Fire Protection Research Engineer talks about the education necessary to become a fire protection engineer, the most significant challenges and favorite parts of his job. This video provides examples of careers in safety science and engineering and insights into the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in STEM.