Space blanket

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/space-blanket

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Emergency thermal blanket (often made of metallized polyethylene terephthalate)
2. What is the primary function?Minimizing heat loss via radiation and convection
3. How does a space blanket keep us warm?It reflects most of the heat our bodies give off and traps a little air against the skin, so we lose less heat.
4. Why do space blankets have a silver color?The silver metal layer reflects sunlight and infrared light, helping keep heat out and making the blanket bright for signaling.

Thermodynamics: The branch of physics dealing with heat and its relation to other forms of energy and work.
Infrared Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, often felt as heat.
Convective Heat Transfer: The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (like air or water).