Blubber Experiment

We have just finished our chapter of Science on Seals & Sea Cows in our Apologia Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. And it was time for an experiment . . . a messy one at that! We would be testing the effects of blubber. Whales, manatees and others all have a layer of blubber, specially designed by God, to keep them warm in cool waters. How does it work? Let's find out.

First, you put on a pair of gloves, stick your hands in ice water and time how long you last in the frigid water!

Then it is brother's turn.

Okay, now that we have our numbers: 28 seconds for Ephraim and 30 for Emmet (hmm, that's interesting.) Either Emmet has a higher level of pain tolerance or he was just trying to outdo big brother.

Time for the layer of blubber . . or Vaseline. Daddy got nominated for the job of "Blubber Applier." It was a bit messy! Glad I was nominated as "Picture Taker."

The boys were each able to keep their hands in the cold water for longer than their first dip. Ephraim went from 28 seconds to 57. Emmet went from 30 seconds to 90. Eliza and Eden also had to take a turn. Eden's numbers were 27 (first) and 24 (with the Vaseline). Eliza's were 19 and 26.

And one last time with each boy sporting one glove. And you can tell by the look on their faces that they were having a good time. Oh, and maybe they were trying to outlast the other one. Either way, it was a good experiment with the kids. They learned that a layer of blubber really does work for the animals that encounter cool waters.