Montessori Summer Science Experiment: Conductors and Insulators

This is a fun, and cool, way to illustrate the difference between heat conductors and insulators. You may want to have several metal and rubber balls in the freezer so you can repeat the experiment quickly so your child can get a better understanding.

Materials needed:
* A metal ball (if you don't have one, make one from aluminum foil)
* A rubber ball
* Freezer

What to do:
1. Place both balls in freezer for at least an hour.
2. Take both balls out of freezer and have your child feel each ball in their hand.
3. Have them keep holding the balls for 30 seconds. Which ball felt colder for longer?

The science behind it:

Metal is a heat conductor, while rubber is a heat insulator. Heat conductors quickly heat-up and cool-down because electrons can easily move through the material. This movement is a transfer of energy/heat. The reverse is true for insulators.

Find more science experiments for your child in our Montessori teaching albums for Kindergarten and First Grade.