Science Smarts: Warm up with science

By Patty Rooks on November 12, 2022.

Oh my, it has been a blast of winter this week! After living in southeastern Alberta for most of my life, you would think I am used to these sudden changes in temperature… no way, it seems like I am shivering all day long. Of course, this makes me think, how can I stay warm instead of shivering? Is this possible? Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Hot tap

– Thermometer

– Freezer

– Aluminum foil

– Two same sized glass jars

– Timer

– Science notebook

– Pen/pencil

Procedure

1. Fill both jars almost full with HOT tap water.

2. Take the temperature of both jars and record this in your science notebook.

3. Wrap one of the jars TIGHTLY in aluminum foil.

4. Place both jars in the freezer.

5. Set your timer for one hour.

6. Remove the jars from the freezer.

7. Record the temperature of the jars.

8. What do you notice?

What is going on?

The jar that was wrapped tightly should have retained more its heat energy. The foil not only reflected the heat energy back into the jar, but it also was a good insulator. By wrapping the jar up tightly, the heat was trapped inside the jar and it kept it warmer longer.

This is a good lesson for us. If you become cold in your house, instead of turning up the heat, there is a solution based in science (and this experiment). Layer up! Pull on a sweater over your t-shirt for instance. I am not opposed to pulling on a pair of long johns either! The extra layer will help insulate YOU and hopefully stop the shivers!

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca

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