Hibernation

These pics don't do this fun lesson justice. Each child will need two baggies. You will also need some baggies and Crisco (or lard). Begin by have the children put a baggie on their hand like a glove and pick up a piece of ice. Ask the children how the ice feels and encourage them to hold on to it for a bit to really feel the cold. Next put a spoonful of Crisco into a second baggie for each child. Place this over the first baggie (so that their hands are lined and do not touch the Crisco). Next, have each child pick up a piece of ice again. They should not feel the cold through the fat.

Finally, explain how animals "fatten up" before hibernating. The extra weight helps to keep them warm in the cold winter months.