Blubber for a Day

Overview: Blubber is an adaptation that helps marine mammals to insulate their bodies and maintain a constant body temperature, even in cold water.

This lesson is part of a series. Select this text to learn more about the series and how to extend its usefulness, or proceed directly to a list and summary of related mammal activities.

Subjects: Science

Grades: 3-4

Length: Involved

Materials:
- Bucket (one per group)
- Ice
- Experiment discussion sheet (provided)
- Shortening,
- Latex gloves (one glove per student)
- Dishwashing gloves (one pair per group)
- Spatula (one per group)

Procedures:
1 . Refer to the content section in this guide, and provide students with background on the importance of blubber. Explain how this adaptation helps those animals with blubber to survive in very cold water.
2 . This activity can be done in small groups with anadult facilitator at each station, or as a whole class demonstration with a few volunteers. Prepare by filling a bucket with water and then adding a large portion of ice. The temperature should be uncomfortably cold.
3 . First , the student will put on one latex glove. Another student will then spread shortening thickly over the latex glove. This will replicate the blubber of marine mammals. Next have the student put on the dishwashing gloves, one on the hand with shortening and one on the bare hand.
4 . The student will then put both hands inside the cold water in order to see which one they can keep in the water the longest. Have the students discuss in their group why they think one hand can stay in the water longer.
5. Have students complete the discussion worksheet.

Extension: If you have time to spare, you may want students to time how long they can keep each hand in the icy water. Keep in mind that the “ blubbery" protection may help students keep their hand in the bucket for quite some time!

Alternative: For a simpler activity, you can use a knit glove instead of the latex glove with shortening. Make sure you secure the dishwashing glove with a rubber band to keep water from seeping in and wetting the knit glove.