Insulation & Thermal Design

FROSTFIRE LODGE · SIZZLING

Insulation & Thermal Design

Furnace Vault

Learn with Sizzling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

Speech bubbles tell the story. Music and sound effects are optional; use the player’s volume control.

Train more: lesson transcript and free resources

Sizzling — Insulation & Thermal Design Furnace Vault

Hi!

I'm Sizzling.

Welcome to Furnace Vault!

Will you help me investigate insulation & thermal design?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Insulation slows heat transfer.

It can help keep warm things warm

and cold things cold by reducing exchange with surroundings.

Which container retained more warmth?

  • A. Both ended at the same temperature
  • B. A
  • C. B

The answer is B: A

A fair container test uses the same starting temperature, amount and conditions.

Compare changes over the same time interval.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

A fair container test uses the same starting temperature, amount and conditions.

Compare changes over the same time interval.

What should be equal in the test?

  • A. Starting conditions and elapsed time
  • B. Only the labels
  • C. Start one hotter and test it longer

The answer is A: Starting conditions and elapsed time

A fair container test uses the same starting temperature, amount and conditions.

Compare changes over the same time interval.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our warm-water records start at 40°C.

After equal time, wrapped A is 35°C and bare B is 28°C.

A lost less heat under these conditions;

insulation does not generate warmth by itself.

Can insulation help keep something cold too?

  • A. No
  • B. Only if insulation generates cold
  • C. Yes

The answer is C: Yes

Insulation slows heat transfer.

It can help keep warm things warm

and cold things cold by reducing exchange with surroundings.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Insulation slows heat transfer.

A fair container test uses the same starting temperature, amount and conditions.

Our warm-water records start at 40°C.

You're ready to explore Furnace Vault with me!

Choose TRAIN MORE if you'd like another look at the clues.

Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

I'll be right here!

Or choose BACK TO MAP.

Every stop is open to explore!

Free Insulation & Thermal Design teacher guide and practice (PDF)

Explore any of the six lessons

Every destination is open. No account, purchase, previous lesson, or completed video is required.