Question

6th grade students investigated how different materials affected thermal energy transfer. the students wrapped ice pops in foil, foam, and paper. the students let the ice pops sit for 10 minutes, then calculated the temperature change. below is the data recorded. which material was the best insulator?

material	thermal energy loss (measured in temperature)
foam	21 degrees celsius
paper	27 degrees celsius

• foil
• foam
• paper

Explanation:

A good insulator minimizes thermal energy loss. By comparing the thermal energy loss values (32°C for foil, 21°C for foam, 27°C for paper), foam has the lowest value. This means it allows the least amount of thermal energy to escape, making it the best insulator among the three materials.

Answer:

Foam