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.
Alethea,
ReplyDeleteI got similar results, but I did not use cotton fabric. I also conducted a second trial and measured the temperatures in different order than from the first trial. What I observed was different than the first trial, so I was able to deduce that the hot liquids left in the open with no cover while I measured another liquid seemed to reduce in temperature, which affected the measurements I took in a specific order. Did you take the lids off all at the same time and were some mugs sitting "open" while testing other temperatures?
Janie
Janie,
DeleteNo: I did not take the lids off all at the same time. However, I probably should have done a second trial. I did not care for the simple thermometer that came in the kit either. The thermometer was collecting water in the hole in the back of it. I had to empty it after I measured each liquid. These are thnigs that I need to look out for when I use this guided inquiry in the classroom.
Hi Alethea,
ReplyDeleteI liked the readily accessible materials that you chose, I originally though about using a nylon stocking but, I nixed it. Next time I will.
Thanks
Candace
Hi Candace,
DeleteI kept the students in mind when I picked the materials. I wanted to use readily accessible materials to eliminate anxiety over having enough materials to perform the activity. Choosing materials that students have already at home will increase the chances of them contributing these supplies for the activity.