L8 Designed for Heat

LESSON 8: DESIGNED FOR HEAT

UNIT 5 ENERGY

6.P.3.3 Explain the suitability of materials for use in
technological design based on a response to heat
(to include conduction, expansion, and contraction)

I CAN compare, contrast, and give examples of thermal insulators and conductors.

What happened?
Why do you think this happened?

HEAT CONDUCTORS

We learned that
conduction is the transfer
of energy between two
materials that are in
contact from a warmer
object to a cooler object.

HEAT CONDUCTORS

Conductors are materials that
transfer energy easily.

Metal is a good conductor
because the molecules are
close together.

Glass is another good
conductor.

Argue Like a Scientist: The Sock Problem

Sarah’s science class is investigating heat energy.
They wonder what would happen to the temperature
reading on a thermometer if they put the thermometer
inside a sock. Sarah’s group obtained two thermometers
and a sock. They put one thermometer inside the sock and the other
thermometer on the table next to the sock. A few minutes later they
compared the readings on the two thermometers. The temperature
inside the room on the table remained the same during their experiment.
What do you think Sarah’s group will discover from their investigation?

Poll

Select the response that best matches your thinking.

• The thermometer inside the sock will have a lower temperature reading than the thermometer on the table.

• The thermometer inside the sock will have a higher temperature reading than the thermometer on the table.

• Both thermometers will have the same temperature reading.

What are socks used for?

We know Styrofoam is successful at
keeping drinks hot.
If we know that Styrofoam is a good
material to use to make cups that will
keep drinks hot, why do we use the
same material to make a cooler to
keep our drinks cool.
How can the same material be used
for opposite effects?

CONDUCTORS VS. INSULATORS

The cup keeps heat from traveling out, the cooler keeps
heat from traveling in. They are both insulators.
An insulator is a material that does not allow heat to pass
through easily.

CONDUCTORS VS. INSULATORS

Other good insulators include:
● paper
● cotton
● wood
● rubber
● plastic

CONDUCTORS VS. INSULATORS

Which of the following cups would you use to keep your hot cocoa hot?

CONDUCTORS VS. INSULATORS

Multiple Choice

What is a insulator?

• a material that slows the transfer of heat

• a material that transfers heat easily

• a material that is fluffy

• a material that is temperature controlled

Multiple Choice

What is a conductor?

• a material that slows the transfer of heat

• a material that transfers heat easily

• a material that is fluffy

• a material that is temperature controlled

Multiple Choice

Which is NOT an insulator.

• Wool

• Plastic

• Iron

• Glass

Multiple Choice

What is NOT an example of an insulator in the kitchen?

• an oven mitt

• pots and pans

• wooden spoons

• a plastic measuring cup

Multiple Choice

What is the BEST example of a conductor? 

• A wooden block

• A ceramic mug

• A glass cup

• A metal bowl

Multiple Choice

Mittens help keep your hands warm in winter because

• they are colorful

• they are fuzzy

• they are conductors

• they are insulators

Multiple Choice

Which of the following materials is an electrical insulator?

• aluminum

• gold

• rubber

• steel

Multiple Choice

Which of the following materials is an electrical conductor?

• silver

• silver-colored plastic

• cork

• rubber