Unit: Using model homes to teach students about the basics of energy, heat transfer, insulators and conductors

This project-based unit sets out to get kids excited to learn about energy and heat transfer by having them build a model home and then devising an experiment to determine the best materials to use to get the house at least 5 degrees Celsius warmer than it was without insulation. Students will experiment with different materials and then use quantitative evidence to determine the best materials for their home. In the end, they will have learned about heat transfer, conductors, insulators and the importance energy efficiency of homes.