We have been learning about polar bears with Ms. Gourlay’s K/1 class.  We learned that polar bears are the biggest carnivores on land.  Polar bears have 3 to 4 inches of blubber (fat) underneath their skin – this helps to keep them warm, and increases their buoyancy when they swim in the icy water.

This is the experiment we did.  In one hand, students held an ice cube.  In the other hand, they held 4 inches of fat (shortening) with an ice cube on top, like a polar bear!  Which hand was warmer?

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We also learned that polar bears only appear to be white, when in fact, their fur is transparent.  Their skin is actually black!  Black helps to absorb the heat of the sun, which keeps them warm. Placing their hands on the black and white bear cut-outs, students were asked, which color felt warmer?

Please see your child’s blogfolio for individual photos of the ice cube experiment.  Ask your child to tell you what they have discovered.  We encourage parents to make comments in your child’s blogfolio posts, and you can also type out what your child says about polar bears.

Thanks to Ms. Gourlay for inviting us into her classroom!