Heat lab: save the thermobacteria!
Challenge:
You are a researcher of volcanic geysers who has just discovered a new species of hot water bacteria, and need to transport a sample of 100°C water from the geyser to the lab. You have the following supplies to achieve your mission:
- several sheets of aluminum foil, one side is shiny, one is dull
- two styrofoam cups
- napkins from a local restaurant
- plastic wrap
- a few plastic bags
- access to toilet paper
- your geyser thermal camera
You will gather a sample of hot bacteria water, then measure the temperature when you reach your lab hours away. The hotter the water, more bacteria have survived for your research.
Create a diagram of your "thermobacteria transport device" so others can learn from you!
Lab questions:
- how did you stop convection, conduction and radiation of heat from your sample?
- which side of the shiny foil was facing the hot water and why?
- if you were later studying DO (dissolved oxygen) in a cool water sample, what would you do differently?
- does the hot water cool at the same rate through your trip? Explain
- could the thermobacteria be aerobic or anaerobic? Explain