While completing my experiment for this week, I decided to test the following materials: plastic wrap, aluminum foil, cotton, and wool. I discovered that the wool held in the heat of the water the best followed by the cotton. To my surprise, the change in temperature with the foil was only 1.5 degrees Celsius lower than the wool sock. I came to understand that the foil created an air tight seal around the cup to lock in the hot air, but as a conductor allowed the heat to move through it easily. The wool on the other hand, is a great insulator but because it is a porous material, allowed the warm air to escape. If I were to repeat this experiment, I would combine the foil and wool together and predict a greater heat retention.
If I were to complete this activity in my class, I would integrate technology in the use of temperature probes. The probes would allow students to track the heat transfer throughout the 30 minute period. Also, it would be interesting to see if the heat loss is constant or greater at a specific point. Heat transfers are a concept I cover with my sixth graders and I look forward to incorporating many of the ideas from this week's resources into my classroom.
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ReplyDeletedigital heat transfers