Grades 4–5 Lesson (45–60 min)

Ice Saver: Insulation Investigation

Big idea: Insulation reduces heat transfer; efficiency saves energy and money.

Objectives

• Test common materials for insulation quality.

• Make a claim supported by measured evidence.

Materials (per team of 3–4)

• 4 small identical cups + crushed ice (same amount each)

• Materials to test (felt, foil, bubble wrap, paper, cotton)

• Rubber bands/tape

• Thermometers or mass scale to measure meltwater

• Data table sheet, timer

Procedure

1. Plan (10 min): Teams choose 3 materials + 1 control. Wrap cups. Predict which insulates best.

2. Run (20–30 min): Start timer; every 5–10 min, measure temperature or pour/measure meltwater.

3. Analyze (10 min): Graph results. Which had least warming/melt? Why?

4. Share (5 min): Connect to home/school insulation and saving energy.

Assessment
CER (Claim‑Evidence‑Reasoning) paragraph using their data table.

Extensions
Try double‑layer vs single‑layer; combine materials; discuss cost vs performance.

Safety
Handle meltwater spills; no eating ice.

what you will learn:

• Insulation slows heat transfer; some materials keep things colder/warmer.

• How to measure, record, and graph results to compare materials.

• Make a claim with evidence: which wrap worked best, and why.