Lesson Materials

Per Class

• 400 mL room-temperature water

• 400 mL water heated to 50℃

• 400 mL water chilled to 6℃

• 4 9-oz single-wall plastic cups

• 4 Rubbermaid TakeAlong Twist and Seal containers (size: 2 cup) or 16 oz deli container

• 8 thermometers

• beaker

• timer

• marker

Per Student

• Class Investigation: Heat or Cold through the Cup Wall

• calculator

• Science notebook

• Note card

Prep

Review 

• Lesson Plan

• Slides

• Assessment or answer keys (if required)

Prepare 

• Water Bath Lab

  • Group size: Whole class

  • Setup: The day before the lab, fill a pitcher or large beaker with at least 400 mL of water per class to come to room temperature. Make enough ice to chill at least 600 mL of water per class. The day of the lab, fill an electric kettle with at least 600 mL of water per class to heat to a temperature close to 50℃, and fill a pitcher with at least 600 mL of ice-water per class to chill to a temperature close to 6℃.

  • Notes for during the lab: Gently insert the cups inside the containers to avoid spilling or mixing the waters.

  • Safety:  Make sure your water is not above 55℃. Students should wear safety goggles throughout this lab. Warn students to be careful with hot water and glass thermometers, as any breakage may cause cuts and scrapes.