Blubber mitten
Time: 5-15 minutes
Materials: quart size ziploc baggies, vegetable shortening
Activity: Pre-work. Put about a cup of shortening in a ziploc baggie. Put another baggie into the first baggie and distribute the shortening so that it is a layer between the bags. Ask kids if they have noticed that animals get fat before the winter. This is first so that they have enough energy to get through the cold months and second, the fat helps keep the animals warm. Let’s observe that in action. Take the blubber baggies and a plain baggie out into the snow. Have kids take turns putting the blubber baggie on one hand and a plain baggie on the other and putting their hands in the snow. Which hand is warmer? Did the blubber work to keep you warm? Science bonus: Test other materials kids think might help keep them warm.
Categories:
Nature