https://sites.google.com/view/designandinquiry/ibdp-design/extended-essay
https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=2&chapter=7
Refer to the above for requirements and expectations
RESEARCH QUESTION: To what extent does varying types of roofing insulation materials impact thermal insulation efficiency?
Important Information
Need a draft by tomorrow of the SECONDARY RESEARCH AND INTRO
Will share my primary research to analyze by tomorrow
Complete draft by 24th
Final due 25th
Primary Research:
I’m testing the insulation of materials by changing the lids of wooden boxes as described below. I’m using a data logger (thermometer USB) to measure changes in internal temp (seen as dimensions: 16.6cm*9.3cm*12cm measurement of air space, not the box itslef)
The measurements are also relative and not absolute, meaning that I am only measuring the delta-t (changes in temperature) > please justify this by mentioning that it eliminates confounding variables
I also tested the temperature of the freezer and the wooden box by only using loose plastic on the lid to minimize air flow but allow some air flow, this way i know the temperature range of the freezer
EXAMPLE:
Research Methodology Justification
Initial Cooling in Freezer:
Justification:
Cooling the sheds initially in a freezer ensures that all insulation materials start at the same initial low temperature. This consistency is crucial for a fair comparison of how well each material insulates against heat gain.
By starting with a uniform initial temperature, you eliminate variability that could skew the results, ensuring that any differences in temperature change are due to the insulation materials’ properties.
Identical Buildings with Styrofoam Insulation:
Justification:
Using identical buildings ensures that the only variable being tested is the insulation material itself. This eliminates discrepancies in size, shape, or construction quality that could impact thermal efficiency.
The extra layer of Styrofoam minimizes external environmental factors, providing a controlled environment to isolate the effects of the tested materials.
Temperature Sensors:
Justification:
Placing the USB TEMP sensors inside the sheds allows for direct measurement of internal temperatures at ACCURATE TEMPERATURES, providing clear data on how well each insulation material maintains the cool temperature.
Experimental Procedure
Initial Temperature Measurement:
Place the sheds in a freezer with the lids open to ensure they all start at the same low temperature. (an hour 30 mins) tested.
Measure and record the initial temperature inside each shed using the temperature sensors.
Justification:
Ensuring that all sheds start at the same initial temperature eliminates variability and provides a fair basis for comparison.
Transfer to Controlled Environment:
After achieving the initial temperature, transfer the sheds to a closed room with no windows or external temperature influences.
Attach the lids made of different insulation materials to each shed.
Justification:
A controlled environment ensures that the temperature changes are due solely to the properties of the insulation materials.
Temperature Recording During Warming:
Measure and record the internal temperatures at regular intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds) until the internal temperature reaches the ambient room temperature. (this takes about 2 hours)
Justification:
Regular interval measurements provide detailed data on the rate of temperature increase, highlighting the thermal properties of each insulation material in maintaining the initial cool temperature.
Data Analysis
Temperature Changes Over Time:
Compare the rates of temperature increase for each material.
Justification:
Analyzing temperature changes over time allows for a comprehensive understanding of how quickly each material allows heat to penetrate, which is crucial for evaluating their effectiveness in keeping the shed cool.
Factors Influencing Performance:
Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each insulation material by comparing material costs with thermal performance data.
Assess the environmental impact of each material by considering factors such as production processes, recyclability, and potential environmental benefits.
Justification:
Including cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness in the analysis ensures that your research addresses practical and sustainable building considerations, providing valuable insights for real-world applications.
Conclusion
Summarize the key findings from your experiments, focusing on how each insulation material performed in terms of keeping the shed cool, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. Discuss the implications of these findings for building design and provide recommendations for selecting insulation materials based on your research.
Additional Tips:
Investigative Approach:
Frame your research as an investigation into the practical applications of different insulation materials for maintaining cool temperatures.
Include case studies or real-world examples where possible.
Cost and Environmental Analysis:
Incorporate a detailed cost analysis, considering both initial costs and long-term savings associated with each type of insulation.
Evaluate the environmental impact of each material, considering factors like production processes, energy efficiency, recyclability, and lifecycle assessments.
Interviews/Surveys:
If feasible, conduct interviews or surveys with industry experts, builders, or homeowners to gather qualitative data on the perceived value of different insulation materials.
Materials:
Wood and Styrofoam for the testing basis (16.6cm*9.3cm*12cm)
Roof test materials: Acoustic ceiling board, Cardboard, Polyfoam, Styrofoam, and Rockwool.
POSSIBLE Outline:
Introduction
Background and Context: Provide an overview of thermal insulation, its importance in building design, and the relevance of cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness.
Research Question: Clearly state your research question.
Objectives: Outline the aims of your research, including the investigation of cost and environmental impact.
Scope of the Essay: Define the scope and limitations of your research.
Literature Review
Overview of Roofing Insulation Materials: Discuss various types of roofing insulation materials available.
Theories and Principles of Thermal Insulation: Explain the scientific principles behind thermal insulation.
Cost-Effectiveness and Eco-Friendliness in Insulation: Review literature on the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of different insulation materials.
Previous Studies and Findings: Summarize key findings from relevant previous research.
Methodology
Research Design: Describe your overall research design and approach.
Materials and Equipment: List and describe the materials and equipment used in your experiments.
Experimental Procedure: Detail the steps of your experimental procedure.
Data Collection Methods: Explain how you collected data on thermal insulation efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.
Results
Presentation of Data: Present your collected data in tables, graphs, or charts.
Comparison of Insulation Materials: Compare the thermal insulation efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness of different materials.
Analysis
Data Analysis: Analyze the data using relevant statistical methods.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each insulation material.
Environmental Impact Analysis: Assess the environmental impact of each insulation material.
Factors Influencing Thermal Efficiency: Discuss factors that may influence the thermal efficiency of insulation materials.
Application of Theories: Apply relevant theories and principles to interpret your results.
Discussion
Interpretation of Results: Interpret the findings in the context of your research question.
Comparison with Existing Literature: Compare your results with findings from previous studies.
Implications of Findings: Discuss the implications of your findings for design technology, building design, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Evaluation
Evaluation of Research Methods: Critically evaluate the methods used in your research.
Limitations and Weaknesses: Identify any limitations or weaknesses in your study.
Suggestions for Improvement: Provide suggestions for improving the research design and methodology.
Conclusion
Summary of Findings: Summarize the key findings of your research.
Answer to Research Question: Provide a clear answer to your research question based on your findings.
Future Research: Suggest areas for future research related to roofing insulation materials, thermal efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness.
References
Bibliography: List all the sources you have cited in your essay in an appropriate academic format.
Appendices
Additional Data and Information: Include any additional data, graphs, or information that support your research but are not included in the main body of the essay.
Additional Tips:
Investigative Approach: Frame your research as an investigation into the practical applications of different insulation materials. Include case studies or real-world examples where possible.
Cost Analysis: Incorporate a detailed cost analysis, considering both initial costs and long-term savings associated with each type of insulation.
Eco-Friendliness: Evaluate the environmental impact of each material, considering factors like production processes, energy efficiency, recyclability, and lifecycle assessments.
Interviews/Surveys: If feasible, conduct interviews or surveys with industry experts, builders, or homeowners to gather qualitative data on the perceived value of different insulation materials.
By incorporating these elements, you will create a comprehensive, investigative, and analytical paper that addresses the multifaceted nature of roofing insulation materials.
