This heat conduction demonstrator is a desktop instrument for middle school physics teaching, designed to illustrate the differences in thermal conductivity among solid materials. Key benefits Provides a clear, handson visual demonstration of how different materials conduct heat. Uses rods with identical thickness and length to ensure a fair, applestoapples comparison. Simple desktop setup suitable for classroom use and quick setup between activities. Reusable design with straightforward maintenance after each demonstration. What it includes and how it functions The system centers on a heated heat storage block and a set of heatconduction rods arranged in a radiating pattern. Each rod has the same crosssection and length to allow direct comparison of material performance. Large blocks attached to the base are prepared to be flipped or adjusted to reveal the heat transfer process and the differences between materials as heat moves along the rods. Setup and experiment procedure 1) Place the instrument on a stable desktop. 2) Spread a small amount of butter on the concave surface of each heatconducting rod to improve contact. 3) Insert a matchstick into the concave surface of each rod in an upright position. 4) Heat the heat storage block. After a short period, observe the successive detachment (dumping) of the matches from each heatconducting rod, and compare the results to evaluate differences in thermal conductivity. Postexperiment care After the experiment is completed and the heatconducting rods have cooled completely, wipe them clean, apply oil, and store the instrument. Take care not to drop the instrument or strike the heatconducting rods. Use scenarios Inclass demonstration: Introduce and compare thermal conductivity concepts during a standard middle school physics lesson. Student projects or science fair: Students perform controlled comparisons of materials with identical geometry to draw conclusions about heat transfer properties. Lab stations or assessment activities: Small groups rotate through stations to reinforce understanding of conduction and material differences with repeatable, observable results. Specifications and attributes (as described) Components: heat storage block, heatconduction rods with identical thickness and length, base assembly, butter for contact improvement, matches for demonstration. Function: educational demonstration of thermal conductivity differences among solid materials. Design: desktoporiented setup with a radiating arrangement of rods and basemounted components that can be adjusted to visualize heat transfer. Maintenance: straightforward cleaning and oiling after cooling; handle with care to avoid dropping or striking the rods.