In this exercise, your students are laboratory scientists. They can withstand even cooler temperatures and have been observed at -31 degree Celsius. When temperatures rise above 15 degree Celsius, walruses often stay in the water. The Alaska field scientists need your help. Divide the class into cooperative learning groups.
Students predict whether heat loss occurs faster in water or air.
They use the following experiment to test their hypothesis. Groups report their results. First, students measure the water temperature in their pans of water. Add warm butter or ice to bring the water to the same temperature as the air. Heat peanut butter in a crock pot to a temperature of about 80-90 degree Celsius.