What's the Coolest?
Summary
In this physical science lab, students will make a cooler out of everyday materials. The first day will be a planning day. The second day students will design a cooler to keep ice frozen. The third day students will then make ice cream observing chemical reactions. Finally on the forth day, students will perfect their cooler in order to keep their ice cream cold. To report their findings students may write a traditional lab report or prepare a power point presentation.
CollapseLearning Goals
Goals for the students will be to discover what material works best as an insulator. Students will also observe heat transfer concepts. In addition, students will understand chemical reactions as they prepare their ice cream. Finally, students will observe changes in energy forms. Through this process students will use observation, critical thinking, data analysis, questioning, hypothesizing, writing, and possible presentation to learn these concepts.
Context for Use
This lab could be done in virtually any type of classroom setting. Students working in groups would be most beneficial. The level of concept depth would depend on the grades being taught. You could simplify this lab and use it in primary grades as well. I propose a week to complete the lab and additional days to present the information.
Description and Teaching Materials
This lesson would be introduced after some discussion on heat transfer and insulators. I will have materials available on request. I anticipate using newspaper, cardboard, Styrofoam cups (for putting the ice cream in), and tape. Students will be instructed with goals and objectives before planning their coolers. Closure strategies would include discussion and presentations. Who's the coolest instructions (Microsoft Word 28kB Nov21 08)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Assessment
Students will be assessed by the rubric attached to the instructions. The teacher will be the assessor.
Standards
Standard IB Scientific Inquiry 9-12