Thermal Transfer Investigative Lab

In this hands-on lab, students investigate how common materials like aluminum foil, fleece, and bubble wrap affect heat retention by wrapping beakers of warm water and tracking temperature changes over 30 minutes. The lesson includes a teacher guide with bell ringer, exit ticket, and facilitation notes, plus a printable student handout with a data table, graphing extension, and real-world analysis questions. Works well in a middle school physical science or Earth science unit on thermal energy and insulation.