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How Do Penguins Keep Warm

Penguins that live in Antarctica or other areas adapt to the cold regions in which they live. Their  scale-like feathers provide insulation. In the following experiment we will feel how a pocket of air formed by  their feathers can protect penguins from the cold.

Materials

  • 3 Zip-close sandwich bag or pint-size storage bags
  • Ice cubes to fill one of the storage bags

Instructions

  • Fill one bag with ice and seal tightly.
  • Blow into a second bag filling it with air and seal. The third bag will remain empty.
  • Place only the bag filled with ice in the palm of your hand. Can you feel the cold of the ice? Fill out Question 1 on the Lab Inquiry Sheet.
  • Place the empty bag and put it flat in your hand. Place the ice bag on the empty bag. Can you feel the cold of the ice? Fill out Question 2 on the Lab Inquiry Sheet.
  • Remove all of the bags from your hand. Place the bag filled with air onto the palm of your hand. Then place the ice bag on top of it. Can you feel the cold of the ice?  Fill out Questions 3, 4, and 5 on the Lab Inquiry Sheet.