Title of Grant: Don’t Let the Heat Escape!
Grant Recipient: Coley Martin
School: Allen Central Middle

This investigation deals with the loss of thermal heat throughout a home. Students will be asked why the heat in our homes must constantly be “kicking” on. Through discussion, and formal assessment, students will be able to explain that temperature is always trying to be at equilibrium and it is a constant back and forth in any system for particles to reach a stable state, although that usually does not occur. Conservation of energy, as well as the transfer and transformation of energy will be big topics within this learning cycle. Students will investigate various properties about objects and their ability to withhold heat, while other objects cool/heat very quickly. After activities investigating particle movement, water and temperature, etc., students will use materials to investigate how one could keep the transfer of thermal energy to the outside of the home. They will build a model of a house and use a light source as the heat source. Students will measure the temperature inside and outside the house at specific locations. Students will use technology to collect data using wireless probes along with iphones, android phones, ipad, etc.