January is the perfect time to teach about polar animals. I begin by reading two books, National Geographics Penguins and Ice Bear to introduce both animals to my students.
I purchased both books from Amazon. My version of Ice Bear came with an audio CD. My kids loved hearing the bears in the background. (amazon affiliate links below)
The Penguin Experiment
We learned a lot about penguins and how the father is the caregiver of the eggs. We even practiced waddling about in a huddle with our own eggs.
SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
To show my kids how certain animals survive freezing temperatures due to their blubber, we tried a little experiment. We used shortening, two ziplock bags, and duct tape. To make the blubber bag, I first put shortening into a large ziplock bag. Next, I turned the second ziplock bag inside out and pressed the seal seams together. To make sure nothing escaped I sealed the edges with duct tape.
Next comes the testing it out with the kids. First, they put their hand into a ziplock bag and then into a bucket of ice water.
Next, we tried it with cotton balls sealed between two bags. Their hands were a little warmer, but they could still feel the coolness of the water.
Lastly, they tried the blubber bag. Most students said they couldn't feel the cold water at all.
I have two science units that would pair nicely with these science experiments.
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1 comment
Awesomeness!! That blubber experiment looks like total fun! Thanks for sharing and thanks for all your hard work!!
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