WebQuest Researching the Insulating Properties of Materials Created By: Mr. Remley Indian River Middle School 8th Grade Technology

Introduction The appropriate use of materials is an important part of Technology Education. A key aspect to understanding the appropriate use of a material involves knowing the properties of that material. During this part of the project you and your partner will focus on materials and their insulating properties. You will research materials used to insulate structures such as your house, school or other buildings. The goal of this project is for you to determine what physical properties are associated with materials that are good insulators. Once this knowledge has been established you will then be able to determine what Alternative materials could also be used as a replacement to traditional insulating materials.

Task Define the terms insulation and conduction as they relate to the transfer of heat. Explain is layman’s terms how insulation works. List and describe 5 traditional materials used to insulate a structure. List and describe 5 alternative materials that could be used to insulate a structure. Determine the most appropriate/efficient alternative material that could be used to insulate a structure, explain why… Create a Microsoft Word document compiling all of this information.

Process 1.You and your partner will gather the information asked for in the “Task”, using the internet as your primary source. 2.You will then take this information and present it in a Microsoft Word document. 3.Under each topic you research you will provide a link to the website that you found this information.

Resources A way to start looking for information such as this by using a search engine. Search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo and Ask use key words and phrases to help locate information. Here are some additional content specific websites that might be useful: aterials.htm

Evaluation Criteria Needs Improvement 0 Satisfactory 1 Good 3 Excellent 4 Defined Key Concepts, Explained how Insulation Works Did not define or incorrectly defined/explained Accurately did 1-2 of these Accurately did 2-3 of these Accurately defined and explained everything Described 5 Traditional Insulating Materials Did not describe material or incorrectly describe material Accurately described 2-3 materials Accurately described 4 materials Accurately described all materials Described 5 Alternative Insulating Materials Did not describe material or incorrectly describe material Accurately described 2-3 materials Accurately described 4 materials Accurately described all materials Complete Sentences, Spelling, Organization 5-6 Errors3-4 Errors1-2 Errors0 Errors

Conclusion Upon completion of this project I will consider you to be knowledgeable about insulation and the properties of insulating materials. Knowledge pertaining to material properties is important for everyone to have. This will make you one step closer to becoming the technologically literate citizens that we should all be. ”Envisioning a Society in Which all People are Technologically Literate” ITEA

Teacher Page This WebQuest is intended for middle school technology education students. This project would be a good introduction for a unit on Resources, dealing more specifically with material properties. This project will take 3-4, 38 minute classes. An additional project that could be done in conjunction with this activity could be constructing an insulated panel. The students could build an insulated panel using recycled or alternative materials and test their thermal efficiency. TesterStudent Panel on Tester