Here’s an activity that you can do to learn about how we retain heat in cold weather:

Materials needed:

• A large bowl
• Two small cups or bowls of the same size
• Hot water
• Room temperature water
• A thermometer
• A spoon

Instructions:

1. Fill the large bowl with cold water and the two small cups with hot water.
2. Place the thermometer in the hot water and record the temperature.
3. Carefully place the small bowl inside the large bowl of cold water.
4. Observe and record the temperature of the hot water in both hot cups
5. Continue comparing the temperatures every minute for 5-10 minutes.

Discussion questions:

• Did the temperatures differ?
• Does air or water conduct heat better?
• How does this activity relate to keeping ourselves warm in cold weather?

Alternatively, try the following activity to learn about the science of keeping warm:

Materials needed:

• Two identical small bowls or cups
• Hot water
• Cold water
• A thermometer
• A piece of paper or a small towel or wrap

Instructions:

1. Fill one of the bowls with hot water and the other with cold water.
2. Place a thermometer in each bowl and record the temperature.
3. Cover one of the bowls with the paper or towel or wrap.
4. Observe and record the temperature of the covered and uncovered bowls every minute for 5-10 minutes.

Discussion questions:

• Why did the temperature of the covered bowl change?
• How did the temperature of the uncovered bowl change?
• What can we do to keep the hot water in the uncovered bowl warm for a longer period of time?
• How does this activity relate to keeping ourselves warm in cold weather?

Please be careful when handling very hot water. Ask an adult for some help!