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In this physical sciences activity, learners explore insulation. Leaners investigate how insulation can be used to slow down the conduction of heat from one side of a wall to the other. Learners are challenged with designing the best way to insulate a cup to prevent ice cubes from melting.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- large pitcher
- water
- several insulating materials (shredded paper, bubble wrap, cardboard, etc.)
- ice cubes
- graduated cylinders (50 mL or larger)
- large paper cups
- scissors
- rulers
- tape (masking or clear)
- paper and pencils
- incandescent lightbulb, 120 watt
- work light with clamp (or desk lamp capable of holding a 120 watt bulb)
- stopwatch or clock
- plastic wrap
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
-
Technology
- Construction
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
- Algebra
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
- Measurement
-
Physical Sciences
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Heat Transfer
-
States of Matter
- Changes of Phase
- Structure and Properties of Matter
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Culture, ethnicity, and gender
-
Girls
- Explicity developed for this group
- Acknowledges this group's contributions to STEM
- Highlights STEM opportunities for this group
- Identifies role models or mentors in STEM fields from this group
- Uses inclusive images of people from this group
Other
Foreign language versions of this resource:
- Spanish: Estación de aislamiento
- Spanish: Las SciGirls investigan: ¡Diversión con la Ciencia Física!
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2013
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, DRL-1114739
- L'Oreal USA For Girls in Science
- Northrop Grumman Foundation
- PPG Industries Foundation