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6th Grade
- Project
- 2 weeks
Ice Cream Protector: Cool Science Challenge!
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage 6th-grade students in a hands-on, real-world scientific investigation by designing, constructing, and testing an insulated container that minimizes thermal energy transfer. Through this process, students will apply scientific principles, enhance their planning and investigative skills, and gain a deeper understanding of material properties and thermal dynamics. This project culminates in a science fair, where students will demonstrate their devices' effectiveness and share their learning experiences with peers and educators.
Learning goals
Students will explore the principles of thermal energy transfer and insulation by designing and testing an insulated container. They will develop skills in planning and carrying out investigations, using evidence to support their design choices. Through hands-on experimentation, students will learn to evaluate the effectiveness of different materials in minimizing thermal energy transfer, applying scientific principles to real-world scenarios.
Standards
- NGSS - MS-PS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer.
- NGSS - MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
Products
Students will design and construct an insulated container using materials such as foam, fabric, and aluminum foil. They will test their containers by placing ice cream inside and measuring the time it takes to melt compared to the outside environment. Throughout the project, students will document their design process, material choices, and test results in a project journal. At the end of the project, students will present their findings and demonstrate their containers' effectiveness at a science fair.
Launch
Begin the project with a hands-on activity where students attempt to keep ice cream from melting using only their hands and breath. After a few minutes, discuss the challenges they faced and introduce the concept of thermal energy transfer. Show a short video demonstrating different materials and their insulating properties. Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for materials they might use in their own designs, setting the stage for their investigation and experimentation.
Exhibition
Students will present their insulated containers at a science fair, where they will demonstrate their ability to keep ice cream from melting. Each student will set up a station to showcase their design process, materials used, and the results of their tests. They will engage with visitors by explaining the scientific principles behind their designs and answering questions. The event will include a live demonstration where students place ice cream in their containers and compare melting times with ice cream left in open air. This exhibition will allow students to share their learning journey and celebrate their achievements with peers, teachers, and family members.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ice Cream Challenge - Students attempt to keep ice cream from melting using only their hands and breath, introducing the concept of thermal energy transfer (10 min)
Introduction to Thermal Energy Transfer - Watch a short video on insulating materials and discuss the principles of thermal energy transfer (15 min)
Brainstorming Session - Students brainstorm materials they believe can insulate and prevent ice cream from melting, documenting their initial ideas in a project journal (20 min)
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Research and Exploration - Students research different materials' insulating properties using library resources and the internet, focusing on materials like foam, fabric, and aluminum foil (20 min)
Material Testing Plan - Students develop a plan to test the effectiveness of selected materials in minimizing thermal energy transfer, drafting a hypothesis and outlining steps in their project journal (25 min)
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Material Collection and Preparation - Gather materials needed for constructing the insulated container, ensuring students understand how to safely and effectively handle them (15 min)
Design Sketching - Students sketch their initial design for an insulated container in their project journal, labeling materials and explaining their choices based on their research (15 min)
Peer Feedback - Share design sketches with a partner for feedback and suggestions to improve their design and material choices (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A list of materials with insulating properties and their potential uses in the project
2. Initial design sketches and material justification for the insulated container |
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| Preparation |
1. Obtain materials such as foam, fabric, aluminum foil, and other insulating materials for students to use in their designs.
2. Prepare a video or presentation on thermal energy transfer and insulating materials. 3. Organize research resources, including books and internet access, for students to explore material properties. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Material Testing - Students conduct experiments to test the insulating effectiveness of various materials like foam, fabric, and aluminum foil, documenting their findings in their project journals (45 min)
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Design Prototyping - Students begin designing their insulated container prototypes using selected materials, sketching their designs and outlining the planned construction steps in their journals (20 min)
Prototype Construction - Students start constructing their insulated containers based on their designs, ensuring they follow the outlined steps (25 min)
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Testing and Refinement - Students test their constructed containers by placing ice cream inside and measuring melting time compared to outside conditions, making adjustments to their designs as needed (25 min)
Documentation and Preparation - Students finalize their project journals detailing their design process, material choices, test results, and prepare for the science fair presentation (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed and tested insulated container
2. Project journal with documented design process, test results, and modifications 3. Prepared presentation for the science fair |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to testing materials such as thermometers, timers, and ice cream
2. Provide tools and resources for students to modify their designs, such as scissors, tape, and additional insulating materials 3. Create a checklist for students to use when preparing their science fair presentations 4. Set up space for students to conduct their final tests and practice their presentations |
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Remixed from
Ice Cream Protector: Cool Science Challenge!