Take the other bag and turn it inside out. Zip the two bags together, making sure the seal is secure on both front and back. Knead the bags until the margarine or shortening is spread evenly inside the two bags. Discuss how animals keep warm, eventually bringing the discussion to how animals that live part or all of their lives in the Polar Regions of the world keep warm. Place your container of ice water on a low desk, so that a child can easily reach into it.
Some children try to leave their hands in the water for an especially long time.
Do not let them keep the unprotected hand in the ice water for longer than 30 seconds. This blubber acts as an excellent insulator, and the thickness of the blubber layer varies among species. Be sure to allow enough time for the margarine to come to room temperature before using it for this activity. All rights reserved.