Cooling Curve
Overview
Age Range: 11 – 14 years old
Students will investigate the cooling of a temperature probe by combining classic science educational equipment with digital technology. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 and will record the data using iLOG and evaluate their results.
Aims
- To understand how a temperature probe cools post exposure to boiling water.
- To learn how to use data logging equipment.
- To record and save data.
Kit Required for the Sensor
Micro:bit
Mini Innovation Board
Temperature Probe
- MicroUSB Cable
- 2 x Connector Cable
Apparatus Required
- Bunsen Burner
- Beaker
- Bunsen Burner Stand
- Wire Mesh Gauze
CAUTION
WHEN CONDUCTING THIS EXPERIMENT ENSURE SAFETY GOGGLES ARE WORN AT ALL TIMES AND HEAT PROOF GLOVES ARE USED FOR HANDLING HOT ITEMS.
Preparation
The Sensor
- Connect the micro:bit to the Mini Innovation board via the edge connector.
- Connect the temperature probe to the ADC1 connector on the mini innovation board.
- Connect the micro:bit to a computer via the microUSB cable.
Getting iLOG Ready
- If this is your first time using iLOG we recommend following our Guide to setup your micro:bit for data logging activities.
- Once the micro:bit is setup in step 1 you can now configure the datalogging settings.
- First you need to select Collecting Data. We are telling iLOG and the micro:bit we wish to gather data from them.
- Then Select Logging from sensors. This allows us to log directly from the micro:bit over USB. Note you can also log remotely by using a battery pack.
- Now we need to select the sensor we have connected.
- Click on the Sensors Box. This will open a new popup window.
- Tick ADC1 and in the dropdown select Temperature Probe (Celsius). This can be found under MicroMaker.
- Now we need to set how long we want to log for.
- For this experiment we selected 5 minutes as the time may vary depending on your equipment.
- Now all the configuring is done its time to click Ready.
The Apparatus
- Use the illustration to set up the apparatus.
- Connect the Bunsen burner up to a gas supply but do not turn on.
- Ensure that the beaker is 3/4 filled with water.
- Insert the Temperature Probe into the water.
Datalogging
Below is a check list of everything you need to have setup and ready to go:
- Micro:bit setup with temperature probe connected to ADC1.
- iLOG on its main graphing screen with Temperature probe set to ADC1.
- Apparatus setup and ¾ filled with water.
If the above points are all done, then Datalogging can begin.
Activity
- Turn on the Bunsen Burner and light the gas.
- When the water starts to boil you need to click start in iLOG.
- Turn off the Bunsen Burner.
- Remove the probe from the water.
- You will quickly see the temperature drop.
- Over time the temperature decrease will start to slow down as it gets closer to room temperature.
Taking it Further
- Conduct an investigation into the effects of immersion on the heating and cooling effect of the temperature probe.
- Conduct an investigation into the effects of insulation on the heating and cooling of the temperature probe.
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