1. 5.3 Astronauts keep cool
January 28, 2015
Why does
the handle
get hot?

2. Aims
• Describe how heat transfer occurs through
solids. [Level 5]
• Explain how the materials in the Space
Shuttle reduce the transfer of heat. [Level 5]
• Analyse data and use it to make predictions.
[Level 6]
• Link the properties of materials and their
limitations to the application of them in real
situations. [Level 7]

3. Key terms
•Conduction
•Conductor
•Insulator

12. 5.3 Astronauts keep cool
Questions
1. Name two objects in your house that need to
be good conductors and two that need to be
good insulators.
2. Why are the Space Shuttle’s tiles better
insulators than the sand that they are made
from?
3. People often put duvets on their beds to keep
them warm at night. A duvet acts as an
insulator. Explain how it keeps people warm.
4. You often see chefs on TV use a cloth to hold
pans. What is the difference between their
pans and the ones you use at home?
1 of 2
(Level 4)
(Level 4)
(Level 5)
(Level 6)

13. 5.3 Astronauts keep cool
Questions
5. Do you think conduction happens in liquids?
Explain your answer using the particle model.
6. Some heaters have concrete blocks inside
them. These blocks are heated all night and
give off heat all the next day. Is concrete a
good or poor conductor? Explain your answer.
7. Imagine that you are going to investigate
which material out of wood, fibreglass or
polystyrene is the best insulator.
a. What variables would you need to keep the
same to make the test fair?
b. Design an experiment to find the best
insulator.
2 of 2
(Level 7)
(Level 8)
(Level 8)