The Heat Is On

            For this weeks experiment convenience was important so I used materials that I had in the science lab.  The mugs were 12 oz. insulated.  The tops were wax paper, a plastic petri lid, aluminum foil, and a small holed screen.  Trying hard to keep all things constant I heated and measured the temperature of the water as it was added to the mugs.  The starting temperature of the water was 110 degrees Fahrenheit.  Each cup was filled with 200ml. and the test material immediately place on top of the mug and secured with a rubber band.  After thirty minutes the temperature of all were taken a second time and recorded.  Results were plastic petri dish 90 degrees Fahrenheit, screen 82 degrees Fahrenheit, aluminum foil 92 degrees Fahrenheit, and wax paper 92 degrees Fahrenheit. According to data the best insulators were the aluminum foil and the wax paper.

            If I were to repeat this experiment I would like to look at the mug.  I would choose several different materials such as: plastic, glass, styrofoam, recycled paper, insulated plastic, and paper.  By placing the same lid on each we could infer the difference in temperature would come from the mugs material.  I think the insulated plastic would be the best insulator.

            I think this experiment would be beneficial for students.  We would start with a basic study of insulators, conductors, and heat transfer.  I would have students set up the experiment using materials of their choice.  I think this would be a guided inquiry so the procedures would be the same.  After recording data students would be asked how this information would be relevant in their lives.  As enrichment students would be asked to build a model home that would conserve the most energy and to design an experiment to test and provide data for their home.