Tundra - Activity

During this lab, you will discover how animals are protected from cold climates.

Science Safety Reminders:
1) Ask an adult for help and supervision with this activity.
2) Do not eat or drink anything associated with science lab projects.

Materials you will need:
5-6 ice cubes
Large bowl
Water
Shortening
2 plastic zipper bags (quart-sized bags work well)

Procedure:
1) Fill the bowl with water and add the ice cubes. Let the water sit and cool off for a while (you may want to add some more ice if it melts before you begin).

2) Fill one zipper bag with some shortening. Make sure you put enough in to coat the inside of the bag.

3) Place the second zipper bag inside the bag with shortening. Use your fingers on the outside of the bag to squash the shortening around so it coats both sides of the inner bag.

4) Place your bare hand in the ice water for a few seconds and notice how cold it is. Now, place your hand inside the clean bag that is inside the bag with the shortening (it should resemble a sort of glove). Place this hand inside the cold water. What do you notice? Is the water still cold?

Watch the video to see how to set up and complete this lab.



How this lab shows how animals stay warm even in cold climates:
The shortening (vegetable fat) acts just like the layer of fat that is hidden under the skin of animals such as walruses, whales, and penguins who live in cold climates. The fat is an insulator meaning it does not allow heat or cold to move in or out of an object quickly. The fat holds the body heat in so the animal is able to stay warm.

Based on the activity Penguin Undercoat from VanCleave (2000).

Reference
VanCleave, J. (2000). Science around the year. New York: Scholastic.