oshc activities
Polar Day / Blubber Glove Experiment

Blubber Glove Experiment

Children put one hand in a shortening-lined bag and dip both hands in icy water to feel how fat keeps polar animals warm. Memorable science.

How to run it

  1. Fill a zip bag with vegetable shortening.
  2. Place a second bag inside to make a glove.
  3. Children put their hand inside and dip in ice water.
  4. Compare with a bare hand and talk about blubber.

You will need

  • ice water
  • vegetable shortening
  • zip bags
  • tub
Make it easier or harderYounger children can just compare hands; older children can time how long they last.
SafetyLimit bare-hand dips to a few seconds and dry hands well.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Children test ideas about animal adaptations.

Fits these theme days

Polar DayScience WeekWinter WonderlandAnimal ThemeUnder the Sea

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