The Heat is On

 

This week I had to complete and experiment about heat.  This experiment involved using four identical cups.  I chose to use Fiesta mugs for this experiment because I felt they would hold the most heat.  Next, I had to heat water and place the same amount in each mug.  When I placed the water in the mugs it measured 50 ° C.  Next, I had to place different coverings on top of the mugs.  I chose to place foil on the first mug, paper on a mug, dish towel on another mug and a Smart wool sock on the last one.  Then I made my hypothesis as to which one would be the best insulator. My hypothesis was the mug which was covered with the Smart Wool sock would remain the warmest.

 

Then I waited for thirty minutes before I took the temperature of each cup.  The one covered with paper only measured 35 ° C. The one covered in foil measured 44° C, Next, the one covered with a cotton dish towel measured 45°C and finally the one covered with the Smart Wool sock measured 38° C.  When I saw the results of the temperature change I was surprised.  I thought the Smart Wool would hold the heat the best, but it did not. The one which held the heat the best was the one covered in a cotton dish towel.  Why was this?  Why did my sock not hold the heat in the best?  I finally thought of the reason behind this, it was because the material which the sock was made from.  Yes, the Smart Wool sock does keep my feet warm in the winter, but it also keeps my feet dry and comfortable in the summer.  This means the sock is made to work both ways. 

 

As to how I could use this experiment in my classroom, it would work well as I am teaching temperature.  I could have the students complete the experiment, but instead of taking the temperature one at a time, each person in the group would check the temperature at the same time.  This might make the results a little different.