Which materials keep us warm? - Teacher notes

In this educational unit, children are encouraged to explore the concept of insulation and warmth through a practical investigation. The aim is to allow pupils to have greater autonomy in their learning process, even if this means encountering mistakes along the way. The focus of the investigation is to understand what keeps us warm, prompting children to discuss their personal experiences of feeling cold and the types of coats they wear to stay warm. This real-world connection is deepened by inviting students to bring their own coats into the classroom to examine the materials they are made from.

The hands-on aspect of the lesson involves setting up an experiment with four water bottles filled with warm water, ensuring that safety is a priority when handling the warm bottles. Students are tasked with selecting different materials to wrap around each bottle, which are then left for at least an hour. The purpose of this is to observe which material is the most effective at retaining heat. By the end of the investigation, students will be able to draw conclusions about the properties of materials that make them good insulators. This practical approach not only teaches scientific principles but also encourages discussion and critical thinking about the everyday materials that keep us warm.