Activity Detail
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Insulating Against the Cold
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students use a Temperature Sensor to test the insulating efficiency of different samples of fabric. They examine the properties that make a fabric a better insulator. They extend this to understand how animals adapt to their environment.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the TI-73 to the CBL™ unit
  • Connect the temperature sensor to Channel 1 in the CBL unit
  • Download the DataMate™ program on the calculator
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 199-205 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.
  • Complete the Hypothesis section on the Data Collection and Analysis page and predict which material will work best


    • Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Pick one type of glove and place a rubber glove inside it
  • Pour 37 C water in the rubber glove and place the Temperature Sensor in it
  • Take a temperature reading every 20 seconds for a period of 10 minutes
  • Repeat the activity with the other sample gloves
  • Graph temperature versus time
  • Evaluate which glove material will keep the hand warmest

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the Data Collection and Analysis Sheet.

    Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Science : Biology : Mammalian Physiology
    Science : Chemistry : Thermodynamics

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-73 Explorer™

    Apps:
    DataMate

    Software:
    TI Connect™, TI-GRAPH LINK™

    Accessories:
    CBL™/CBL 2™, Sensor - Temperature, TI Connectivity Cable, TI-GRAPH LINK™ Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is activity 21 from EXPLORATIONS Book: Activities for Middle Grade Science with the CBL 2 and TI-73

  • Gloves made of a variety of fabrics
  • Large beaker or container
  • Two rubber gloves
  • Water (37 C)
  • Hot plate
  • Stopwatch or 5-minute timer


    • Report an issue with this activity