Thermal insulators
I can use the idea of vibrating particles to explain why wrapping an object in a thermal insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
Thermal insulators
I can use the idea of vibrating particles to explain why wrapping an object in a thermal insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Particle vibrations are passed on more quickly between a hot object and conductor than a hot object and an insulator.
- Materials that contain trapped air provide good insulation because gases are very poor thermal conductors.
- Wrapping an object in an insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
Keywords
Thermal conduction - a change in temperature due to particles passing on their motion through the forces between them or by particle collisions
Thermal conductor - a substance through which thermal conduction happens quickly
Thermal insulator - a substance through which thermal conduction happens slowly
Insulation - a layer of thermal insulator around an object to help maintain its temperature
Common misconception
Insulators warm objects up.
Show your class that an insulator keeps an ice cube colder for longer by wrapping one in a conductor (such as aluminium foil) and another in an insulator at the start of the lesson. The ice cube in the conductor will melt first.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Thermal insulators, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Thermal insulators, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Heating and cooling unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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