Have you ever wondered how animals stay warm when the weather gets super cold? When it’s chilly outside, we might put on a sweater or wrap ourselves in a cozy blanket. But animals living near the North Pole or in Antarctica don’t have these things. So, how do they keep warm? Let’s find out!
Animals like seals, whales, and walruses have a special trick to stay warm in icy waters. They have something called blubber. Blubber is a thick layer of fat right under their skin. This fat helps keep their body heat in and the cold out. It’s like a natural blanket that keeps them warm even in the coldest waters on Earth.
Want to see how blubber works? You can try a fun experiment at home! Here’s what you’ll need:
First, fill one bowl with water and add ice to make it really cold. Next, fill one plastic bag halfway with shortening. Put the second bag inside the first one, so you can put your hand in without getting messy. Squish the shortening around to make an even layer.
Now, put one hand in the blubber bag and leave the other hand bare. Dip both hands into the icy water at the same time. What do you feel? The hand in the blubber bag should feel warmer than the bare hand. That’s because the shortening acts like blubber, keeping the cold out and the warmth in!
This experiment shows how blubber helps animals survive in freezing waters. The layer of fat keeps their body heat inside, protecting them from the cold. Isn’t that amazing?
Now that you know how blubber works, you might want to learn more about animals living in cold places. There are so many interesting facts to discover!
Thanks for joining us in this fun experiment. If you have ideas for more experiments or want to learn about other animals, let us know! We’d love to hear from you. See you next time!
Blubber Hunt: Go on a “blubber hunt” around your home or school. Look for items that are soft and squishy like blubber. Can you find things that help keep warmth in, like a thick blanket or a cozy sweater? Make a list of these items and think about how they are similar to blubber.
Animal Warmth Drawing: Draw a picture of your favorite animal that lives in cold places, like a penguin or a polar bear. Use crayons or markers to show where you think their blubber might be. Share your drawing with a friend or family member and explain how blubber helps the animal stay warm.
Blubber Story Time: Imagine you are a seal swimming in icy waters. Write a short story or create a comic strip about your day. How does your blubber help you find food and play with friends? Share your story with your class or family and discuss why blubber is important for survival.
