Everyday uses of thermal insulators
I can identify and name thermal insulators in everyday life.
Everyday uses of thermal insulators
I can identify and name thermal insulators in everyday life.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Thermal insulators are used for different purposes in everyday life.
- Thermal insulators are used to stop us burning ourselves or surfaces when using hot objects in the kitchen.
- Materials that contain trapped pockets of air make good thermal insulators.
- Thermal insulators can be used to keep cold things cold.
- A comparative test can be used to investigate which cup is most suitable for keeping cold drinks cold.
Common misconception
Thermal insulators only keep warm things warm.
One of the learning cycles, and Practice Task B, focuses on the use of thermal insulators to keep cold things cold.
Keywords
Thermal insulator - A thermal insulator is a material that does not allow heat to pass through it easily.
Material - A material is the substance that objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.
Thermal conductor - A thermal conductor is a material that allows heat to pass through it easily.
Suitable - Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is right or acceptable for it.
Comparative test - In a comparative test, the variable that is being changed has names or labels, such as the names of plants.
Equipment
Cold water, cups made of different materials, thermometers, stop watches.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
does not allow electricity to pass easily through it
does not allow heat to pass easily through it
does not allow vibrations to pass easily through it
Exit quiz
6 Questions
to protect us from heat
to keep the contents warm
to keep the contents cold