If you work with young children or have young kids at home, this winter science experiment is for you!

This simple and educational experiment will give kids a hands-on understanding of how penguins (and other cold weather animals such as polar bears and seals) stay warm in their icy homes.

Any good experiment starts by asking kids questions to get them interested in the topic.

• How do you think penguins stay warm swimming around in icy arctic water?
• What do you think keeps them warm if they don’t wear clothes like us?
• Why don’t they freeze in the freezing cold water?

After you’ve discussed your child’s answers, it’s time for the experiment fun to begin!

Supplies Needed:

• Large container or bowl
• Water
• Lots of ice cubes
• Vegetable shortening
• Two Ziplock bags
• Duct tape

Step-by-Step:

1. Fill a large bowl with super cold water and lots of ice.
2. Have your child place his/her hand in the ice water. Remember the water is going to be super cold, so a quick reach in is all you need.
3. Next fill one Ziploc bag with shortening.
4. Have your child place their hand in the empty Ziplock bag. Then place their bagged hand inside the shortening filled bag. Seal the top with duct tape so water can’t get in.
5. Have your child put their bag covered hand in the freezing ice water and ask how it feels now. Does it feel less cold? Is it cold at all?
6. Talk about how penguins have a thick layer of fat called blubber that keeps them warm, just like the shortening did for their hands.

After an experiment is a perfect time to extend learning and share some more fun facts about penguins.

Fun Facts About Penguins:

1. Along with blubber, penguins also have a special layer of dense, short, overlapping feathers that trap air close to their bodies and helps keep them warm.
2. Many penguins live in places like Antarctica, but some live in warmer areas like South Africa and the Galapagos Islands.
3. Some penguins can swim over 15 miles per hour.
4. Penguins can dive deep into the ocean to catch food like fish, krill, and squid. Emperor penguins have been seen diving 1,854 feet!