We have finally- despite many many interruptions- finished off our polar animals unit. The unit wound up with an experiment. We learned that polar animals are able to stay warm in such frigid temperatures because of a thick layer of blubber. The children thought it was a silly idea that fat could keep animals warm so we put fat to the test. We slipped one hand into the 'blubber glove' made of lard and left the other naked and then submerged both into icy water. The blubber glove won hands down- pardon the pun! It kept our fingers toasty warm while the other hand could barely stand to be in the water longer than 10 seconds. It was left on the table for the afternoon so Team Awesome could have another go at it but only a few of them were willing to retest our conclusions. I think I'll forego the blubber and keep my down-filled coat for next winter.
