Hi there! I’m Jessi from SciShow Kids, and today we’re going to talk about how different animals stay cool when it’s hot outside. It’s something we all need to do, especially in the summer!
When I play soccer, I get really sweaty. Sweat is amazing because it helps cool us down. As the sweat on our skin dries, it takes some heat away with it, making us feel cooler.
Not all animals can sweat like humans. Take dogs, for example. They can only sweat through the pads of their paws. To cool down, dogs lick their noses and pant. Panting means they take quick, short breaths with their tongues out. This helps cool them down as the moisture on their tongues and noses dries.
Now, let’s talk about koalas. These cute animals live in Australia, where it can get really hot and dry. Koalas can’t sweat, and they don’t like to lick themselves because it uses up too much water. Water is precious in their hot, dry home, and they usually get it from the leaves they eat.
So, how do koalas stay cool? Scientists have discovered that koalas hug trees! Yes, you heard that right. Koalas wrap their arms around tree trunks or branches. Even when the weather is hot, trees are cooler than the air around them. By hugging trees, koalas can cool down without losing water by licking or panting. Isn’t that clever?
Thanks for learning with me today at SciShow Kids! Remember to check back for more fun science facts about animals and the world around us.
Tree Hugging Experiment: Just like koalas, let’s see how trees can help us feel cooler. On a warm day, find a tree in your backyard or a park. Place your hand on the tree trunk and then on a nearby rock or metal object. Which one feels cooler? Discuss with a friend or family member why you think the tree feels cooler. Remember, trees can help animals like koalas stay cool!
Panting Like a Dog: Try this fun activity to understand how panting helps dogs cool down. Take a deep breath and then let it out with short, quick breaths, just like a dog panting. Notice how the air feels on your tongue. Discuss with a friend or family member how this might help a dog feel cooler. You can even try this after running around to see how it helps you cool down!
Design Your Own Cooling Trick: Imagine you are an animal living in a hot place. Draw a picture of yourself as this animal and come up with a creative way to stay cool without using water. Share your drawing and idea with your class or family. How does your cooling trick compare to the koalas’ tree-hugging or the dogs’ panting?
