Insulated house

Insulated house

Pencil and paper
Overview
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses

Sara wanted to find out how well house insulation works. She made models of two houses – one that was insulated, and one that was not insulated. She used a cardboard box as a house and a sealed container of hot water as a heater. 

This diagram shows a cross section of Sara's insulated house.

 

a)
How would the walls be different in Sara's non-insulated house?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b) To make her investigation a "fair test", what are three things Sara would need to keep the same?
 
 
i)
 
 
ii)
 
 
iii)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
c) Why do people use house insulation?

 
 
 
 
Level:
4
Description of task: 
Task: Answer two questions about setting up a fair test and another about insulating houses. Assessment focus: controlling variables.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss:
  • considerations when using models for investigations
  • variables for fair testing
 
Science capabilities: 
Making Better Sense: 
Answers/responses: 
    Y8 (11/1998)
a) The walls are made of cardboard only/no polystyrene/thinner.
[Do not accept: they are not insulated.]
easy
b) Any 3 of:

  • Same thermometer/thermometer is in the same place.
  • Same-size models.
  • Same conditions for experiment, e.g., temperature, humidity, sunlight.
  • Models left for the same length of time.
  • Same amount of water for 'heater'.
  • Same initial temperature of water.
  • Repeat trials.
  • Any other plausible suggestion.
3 correct – difficult

2 correct – easy

1 correct – very easy

c) Any 1 of:

  • To keep houses warmer.
  • To keep heat in.
  • To lower heating costs.
  • Any other plausible suggestion.
easy