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Australian primary science · Years 3–4 · Lesson 2 of 3
Keep it warm
Inquiry question: Which wrap keeps a hot drink warm the longest?
Marked no materials needed
Fair testing
What students learn
Some materials are good insulators: they slow down heat moving. A fair test changes only the wrap and keeps everything else the same.
Success criteria
- I can name the one thing we changed.
- I can name two things we kept the same.
- I can use results to choose the best wrap.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know materials have properties (lesson 1).
- iPads with Bottlebrush Education open (nothing else needed) — 13 (one per pair)
- Projector or big screen — 1
Teacher setup
- Open Materials & chemistry › Lab › Keep it warm on your screen to demonstrate.
- Check the iPads are charged.
Safety and adaptations
Follow school science and equipment risk assessment procedures for the materials used.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Pairs predict which wrap will keep the drink warmest.
- Test the bare cup first, then at least two wraps.
- Record the temperature at the end of each test.
- Rank the wraps from warmest to coolest.
Teacher modelling prompt
On the big screen, run the bare cup first. Think aloud: “I changed only the wrap. The cup, the starting temperature and the time stay the same, so the test is fair.”
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: Which wrap keeps a hot drink warm the longest?
| Wrap | Temperature after 20 minutes (°C) | Rank (1 = warmest) |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Whose reason uses science?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What does an insulator do?
Explain with evidence: Why did we test the bare cup?
Apply the idea: Which would be best for a lunchbox to keep food cold: foil, bubble wrap or paper? Why?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.