Curated OER
Heat Misconceptions
Third graders determine that gloves do not provide heat, but rather, they insulate or hold in any heat that is in their hand. They discuss the different temperatures found in ecosystems around the world. What do animals that live in...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: What Is Heat?
Students learn about the definition of heat as a form of energy and how it exists in everyday life. They also learn about the three types of heat transfer as well as the connection between heat and insulation.
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Science: Arctic Ocean: What Are Conductors and Insulators?
Visit Vlad and learn about the properties of conductors and insulators, and what materials are used for them.
Museum of Science
The Atom's Family: Building a Better Pyramid
Help the Mummy conserve energy inside the pyramid by adding layers of insulation. By using this site you will find out what happens when you add more layers of insulation.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Insulators
The nature of insulators is described at the atomic level. Band gap theory is used to explain what distinguishes insulators from conductors.
Other
Warmair.com: Attic Insulation Calculator
An online JavaScript application which allows visitors to investigate the relative amount of heat being lost from their homes due to insufficient insulation. The current R-value and a hypothetical R-value can be entered and the energy...
Other
The Atom's Family: Cooling the Mummy's Tomb
Help the Pharaoh design a better tomb by investigating insulation materials.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Using Energy Resources Wisely
Students test which type of material retains heat the longest.
Other
Alliance to Save Energy: Educator Lesson Plans
A series of teacher lesson plans for various grade levels. Topics pertain to insulation (among other things) and other energy conservation and energy efficiency topics. Can be easily adapted for a student project or lab investigation.
ArtsNow
Arts Now Learning: Dance With Heating, Cooling, and Insulation [Pdf]
In this lesson plan, 3rd graders use movement and dance composition to aid their comprehension of heating, cooling, and insulation.
Museum of Science
Miami Museum of Science: The Mummy's Tomb: Building a Better Pyramid
Explore the effect of insulation as you add it to a pyramid. This simulation shows you how much energy is required to cool the pyramid as you add more layers.
Other
Warmair.com: Insulation
The role of insulation in preventing heat loss is discussed. The concept of thermal resistance is introduced and explained. Understandable language but no graphics.