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Lesson 7: Building an Insulated Water Bottle

Overview

Students investigate the insulating properties of a variety of materials. Using their knowledge of heat transfers, students design an
insulated water bottle.  

Key Ideas

• Different materials conduct thermal energy at different rates. Metals conduct heat rapidly. Other materials, such as plastic and wood, do not conduct heat rapidly so can be used as insulators. 
• Knowledge of thermal conductivity differences is used to develop products and technologies that allow people to safely and efficiently use heat. 
• Depending on how they are used, materials can be used to slow or accelerate heat transfers. 

Lesson Goals

Students will:

• recognize that a thermal conductor is a material that allows heat to readily transfer through it. 
• recognize that heat is conducted at different rates through different materials. 
• use their knowledge of heat transfers to design an insulated water bottle. 

Lesson Resources

Download Lesson Plan (13 pgs 796 KB)


Student Handout 7.1: Insulation Investigation Planning Guide (528 KB)

Student Handout 7.2: Sample Data Tables and Sample Graphs (532 KB)

Student Handout 7.3: Keeping It Cool: Building an Insulated Water Bottle (536 KB)

Student Handout 7.4: The Mitten  Problem Redux (536 KB)

Online Extensions

Learn how ice was harvested from Maine lakes by the Sebago Ice Company by viewing this 5 minute narrated clip, Ice Harvest.  (Click on "Moving Image." Audio is uneven but discernible)

Take on a design challenge from PBS's FETCH "How Do You Keep Lemonade Cool?" The challenge: make a lemonade stand that keeps lemonade cool and is sturdy and transportable.

Connection to Maine Agencies

A Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP) representative is a no cost resource for schools and teachers in Maine. MEEP representatives will come to interested schools, free of charge, to guide and support the concepts in this lesson: 

• School Energy Efficiency Investigation: Students use tools to see how their school uses energy and where energy is wasted. Tools include an infrared thermometer, a temperature/humidity datalogger, a light meter, and a Kill A Watt meter. Students can then make recommendations on how energy can be conserved in their school. This project can be combined with the Greenhouse Gas Surveys being offered by the Maine DEP. 

For schools in Aroostook County, a Maine Public Service (MPS) representative will come to interested schools, free of charge, to guide and support concepts developed in this lesson.