Hi everyone! Today, Squeaks and I went for a walk near the pond by the Fort, and we noticed something interesting. The pond was completely covered with ice! We also saw that many trees had lost their leaves, and some animals, like turtles, were nowhere to be seen.
In the summer, the sun shines for a long time, keeping the pond water warm and free of ice. We often see fish jumping out of the water to catch insects and turtles sunning themselves on the pond bank. But when fall arrives, the days become shorter, and the pond can freeze over completely!
Frozen water and cold temperatures make animals around the pond behave differently than they do in the summer.
If we could look through the ice to the bottom of the pond, we’d find fish huddled together where the water is warmest. Even though the water is cold, fish have a special way to stay warm. Their body temperature changes with the water temperature. They breathe slowly and don’t swim much, saving energy to keep warm.
Turtles are similar to fish because their body temperature changes too. In winter, turtles hang out at the bottom of ponds. Some even bury themselves in the mud and sand, which acts like a blanket to keep them warm until the ice melts and the sun warms the water again.
Birds need to keep their body temperature steady, so they find cozy spots in trees to rest during winter. When they come out, they fluff their feathers to trap warm air next to their bodies, like a puffy coat!
Squeaks and I are excited to learn more about how animals survive in the winter. We’re heading to the Fort’s library to find some books on the topic. Thanks for joining us on SciShow Kids! If you want to keep learning and having fun with us, be sure to subscribe. See you next time at the Fort!
Winter Animal Observation: Next time you visit a pond or park, take a notebook with you. Look for signs of animals and how they might be staying warm. Can you see any birds fluffed up in the trees? Are there any animals hiding or moving slowly? Draw or write about what you see and share your observations with your family or friends.
Ice Experiment: Fill a small container with water and place it in the freezer to make your own ice. Once it’s frozen, take it out and touch the ice. How does it feel? Imagine being a fish or turtle under the ice. What would you do to stay warm? Discuss with a friend or family member how animals might feel in the cold and what they do to keep warm.
Build a Bird’s Puffy Coat: Gather some feathers, cotton balls, or soft fabric scraps. Use them to create a “puffy coat” for a small toy or stuffed animal. Think about how birds fluff their feathers to stay warm. Does your toy feel warmer with its new coat? Talk about how this is similar to what birds do in the winter.
