How Animals Stay Warm

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In this quick activity, learners explore how blubber protects animals from the cold by making a "blubber mitt." Using cooking shortening, two zip-top sandwich bags, and duct tape, learners simulate blubber found on animals like whales and seals and then test it by sticking their "blubber mitt" in snow or ice water.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • One cup solid shortening
  • Two zip-top sandwich bags
  • Duct tape
  • Bucket of snow or ice water

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Evolution
      • Mechanisms of Evolution
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, New England Aquarium, 2011