This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals Heat loss experiment Subject(s):Science Age group(s): 12-14, Topic: Heat and temperature EAL Nexus resource Licence information | This resource is free to use for educational purposes. © British Council 2015 Source | This resource was originally developed by Alison Fisher and has been adapted by EAL Nexus.

An experiment to see whether heat is lost more quickly from a black or a silver test tube. How to write up a science experiment

Method  I made a cup of tea at break. What did I do? First, I filled the kettle with water and switched it on. Then I put a teabag into a mug. I waited until the kettle boiled and then I poured the water into the mug. I stirred the tea and let it stand for 3 minutes. After that, I removed the teabag. Finally, I added some milk.

Work with a partner to change the descriptions into instructions. First, the kettle with water and …………… it on. Then, a teabag into a mug. until the kettle and then the water into the mug. I filled switched fill switch I put put I waited boiled I poured Wait pour boils

Work out instructions for these illustrations with a partner. 3 minutes let it standremovestir finallyafter thatadd

Your experiment  You are going to find out whether water cools more quickly in a black or silver test tube.  First, you need to write your prediction. Copy the phrase below and choose either the black or the silver test tube.  Next, you need to write an equipment list. I think the water will cool more quickly in the black/silver test tube.

Equipment you will need Test tubes – one black, one silver Stopwatch Hot water from a kettle Thermometer 1 Test tube rack Measuring cylinder 6

What are the variables in your experiment?  The independent variable is what you are going to change.  The dependent variable is what you are going to measure.  The control is what stays the same. The temperature of the water The quantity of water The colour of the tube

Write instructions for what you need to do in this experiment Verbs to help you:  Pour  Measure  Record  Put  Start

Write instructions for each illustration Measure ……………… ……………… …… into a……………… Pour into ………… ………… … Put a ……….. ………………… ……………and record ………. …………………. Start the ….. …………… and record ……. …………………. every ……….. ………………….

Write instructions for each illustration Start the stop watch and record the temperature every … seconds. Put a thermometer into the test tube and record the temperature. Pour into the black test tube. Measure … ml of boiling water into a measuring cylinder.

Write instructions for each illustration Repeat with ……………… ……………...

Write instructions for each illustration Repeat with the silver test tube.

Risk assessment  What is the danger in the experiment ?  What can it cause?  What precautions do you need to take? Discuss the answers to these questions with your partner using full sentences. …………. is dangerous. It can cause …………. Be careful when ………….. …………. must be worn.

Risk assessment Boiling water is dangerous and can cause scalding, so safety glasses must be worn. It is important to pour the water very carefully.

Conclusion

Suggest reasons for your results. You will need to use the following information.  Infra-red radiation is an electromagnetic wave.  Radiation heats objects up because it makes the molecules move faster.  Black surfaces are the best absorbers of heat radiation.  Silver surfaces reflect heat better.