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