B L A K E LY H A R R I S M A T T R O B E R T S O N S K Y E L E W I S E D V A S E F E R I

THERMAL INSULATION

PURPOSE

• To determine the best material(s) for insulating a Snapple bottle using household materials.

BACKGROUND

• Insulation is a key part of temperature regulation, and affects energy conservation.

Pink Board and Blue Board, two of the most potent greenhouse gas

agents.

A change must occur, or many species like the

beautiful polar bear will face extinction.

SETUP

• Split into teams of 2.

• Each team take 2 Snapple bottles and fill with room temperature water.

• Rock, Paper Scissors for first choice in material.

• Winner selects first, then alternate in choosing materials until they have all been selected.

LET THE CREATIVITY BEGIN…

Styrofoam

Tinfoil Rubber Liner Paper Bag

Towel T-Shirt Fabric Cardboard Coffee Bag

DATA COLLECTION

• Each team will have 4 materials to insulate 2 Snapple bottles.

• Lab view will take temperature readings every 15 seconds for a duration of 5 minutes (20 total).

• The insulated Snapple bottles will be tested 2 at a time (1 from each team).

RESULTS

• Each team’s average change in temperature can be calculated with this formula:

Bottle #1 change in temp.

+ Bottle #2 Change in temp.

______________________________________________________________________

2• The team with the lower average change in

temperature wins.

ANALYSIS

• Teams will finish their experiment by answering a set of questions…

1. Which insulation materials worked best? Why do you think these were better materials?

2. What suggestions do you have to improve this lab for future students?

3. How does this lab relate to sustainability? Is insulation an effective way to conserve energy?

THE END

•Any Questions?