The Heat Is On

In this guided inquiry, I chose four different materials to use in the experiment such as aluminum foil, cotton washcloth, newspaper, and a nylon sock.  Through this demonstration, I will ascertain which material will provide the best insulation in keeping the liquid warm longer. 

The water for this experiment was heated to the boiling point.  The same amount of water was placed in each mug.  Each mug was covered with a specific material. After thirty minutes had passed, I removed the covers off the mugs.  I placed the simple thermometer in each mug to measure the temperature.  The temperature of the water in the mug with the aluminum foil was 42 degrees Celsius.  The second mug was covered with a cotton washcloth.  The temperature of the water in mug was 44 degrees Celsius.  So far, the cotton washcloth was the best insulator. The third mug was covered with newspaper.  The temperature of the water in the mug measured at 41degrees Celsius.  The final mug was covered with a nylon sock.  The temperature of the water in the mug measured at 41 degrees Celsius. I expected the foil to outperform the other materials.  However, the cotton washcloth was a better insulator.  The nylon sock was the poorest insulator.  This experiment did not pose any challenges for me. 

Through this guided inquiry, my students will see how heat and temperature plays a major role in our daily lives.  I want my students be critical thinkers and problem solvers.  Guided inquiries offer students an opportunity to perform the same task scientists do.  To extend this learning experience, I would ask the students to choose their own materials.  Students want to have a voice in what and how they learn.  Generally, they will invest and participate more in their learning when they help plan it.  

MOMENTUM

How do different surfaces affect the momentum of marbles?


Part of my guided inquiry requires me to focus on one of the questions from the selection.  My interest was lies in investigating how momentum influences our daily lives.  The connection I can draw from is riding in a car or walking down a ramp.  The only items I need to conduct my experiment were one small marble, one large marble, timer, two meters sticks, and extension cord.  The surfaces I choose to use in this lab are carpet, vinyl flooring, and laminate counter top.  My observation reveals that the speed of the marble was greater when the mass of the marble was larger.  The investigation also demonstrates that marbles travel a greater distance and move faster on vinyl floor.  Naturally, friction is a factor when the surfaces are not smooth.  When using this inquiry-based learning experience in the classroom, students will gain a more in-depth awareness of momentum.  To extend this lesson for students, I can supply students with other round objects that roll.  This will grant students with further exploration opportunities.  I think it is important to allow students to determine what modifications they want to make to the investigation.  It provides them with responsibility of taking ownership of their education.