Body Fat Experiment - Preparing for Cold Weather
The Alaska climate can be bitterly cold and harsh during the winter months, and the exposed
Mushers have to battle the elements (often -50°) for hours at a stretch.
Take a moment to check your encyclopedia on what hypothermia is and how it can affect
the human body.
This experiment will illustrate how insulation helps keep you warm and why many animals
have a tremendous
amount of body fat to survive in cold climates.
Experiment:
Supplies:
• 3 - gallon size ziplock baggies (quart size will work if the childs hand can fully fit into it)
• vegetable shortening
• a pitcher or large bowl of ice cold water
Instructions:
Take one baggie and place approximately 1 cup of shortening into the bottom of the bag. Take
a second baggie and turn it inside out. Place the second baggie inside the first one with
the shortening in it, and zip the two bags to each other. The result should be a "mitt"
with shortening between the two baggies. Spread the shortening so that it fills the inside
of the mitt, where the childs hand would be.
Have the participant place his or her hand in the third baggie and immerse it in the cold
water. The hand should stay dry, but feel quite cold. Now have the child place their hand
in the shortening mitt and immerse it in the cold water.
Is there a difference? How long can they keep their hand there until they feel coldness?
Can you make a list of animals that may have a thick layer of fat on their bodies to keep them
warm? Take this opportunity to research polar bears, walruses, penguins, whales and other arctic creatures
that rely on their body fat to survive the frigid temperatures.
What should the Mushers wear in very cold temperatures? What would they sleep in? Is there
any special considerations for the dogs in this weather?
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