Heat Transfer Experiment

Sixth graders have learned that heat transfers from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration in three ways; radiation, conduction and convection currents.   The experiment  they completed this week tested the conduction theory by using calorimeters(insulated cups) and an aluminum transfer bar.   Equal amounts of hot and cold water were placed in the calorimeters and the temperature of each cup was taken every three minutes.   The aluminum bar that had been placed between the containers demonstrated the transfer of heat from the hotter liquid to the colder liquid.  Students could prove the concept with the change in temperature and could also feel the heat move along the aluminum bar.