DIY STEM Project For Kids: Arctic Cold Experiment

Jesse introduces a fun Arctic science project where participants simulate how Arctic animals survive cold weather. The project involves using ice water and shortening to mimic the fat layer that protects these animals. Participants cover their hands with shortening and immerse them in ice water to observe how the fat layer insulates against cold. The experiment demonstrates the protective properties of fat, similar to that of polar bears and penguins. Jesse concludes with encouragement to explore further and learn more about Arctic animal survival.

What is the first step in setting up the Arctic cold science project?

• Add shortening to a Ziploc bag

• Cover your hand with a glove

• Fill a bowl with ice and cold water

• Put your hand in the ice water

What is shortening used to represent in the project?

• The fur of Arctic animals

• The skin of Arctic animals

• The fat layer beneath the fur and skin of Arctic animals

• The bones of Arctic animals

How does the shortening protect your hand in the ice water?

• It absorbs the water

• It creates a warm layer

• It repels the water like the fat layer in Arctic animals

• It changes the water temperature

What is the purpose of adding more ice to the water?

• To make the water evaporate

• To dissolve the shortening

• To test the effectiveness of the shortening layer

• To make the water warmer

What is the main learning objective of this project?

• To understand how Arctic animals use their fur

• To learn about the diet of Arctic animals

• To explore how the fat layer protects Arctic animals from cold

• To study the migration patterns of Arctic animals