Source:
The Need Project
Topics Middle School,
Physics
Grade Levels
4-6
Question
Which materials make good insulators?
Possible Hypotheses
Foam is a good/poor insulator. Cloth is a good/poor insulator. Paper is a good/poor insulator.
Materials
Two shoeboxes Scissors Two thermometers Piece of Styrofoam about one inch thick Newspaper Towel Black construction paper Tape
Procedure
- Tape black construction paper to the outside bottoms of the shoeboxes.
- Place the box tops in a sunny place with the thermometers inside facing up. Record the temperatures.
- Invert one box onto a top so the black bottom is toward the sun. This is your control.
- Tape a piece of Styrofoam to the inside of the bottom of the second box, and then place it upside down over the second top.
- Record the temperatures of both boxes after 15 minutes.
- Remove the Styrofoam and tape thick pieces of newspaper in the bottom of the box. Repeat the procedure and record the temperatures.
- Remove the newspaper and tape a towel into the bottom of the box. Repeat the procedure and record the temperatures.
Analysis and Conclusion
Which material was the best insulator? What other substances might make good insulators?
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Reprinted with the permission of the NEED Project. © 2008 National Energy Education Development Project - All Rights Reserved.
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