Animals & People in Winter

In Science, we've explored animals and people in winter!

PEOPLE IN WINTER

We brainstormed favourite winter activities, then bundled in our woolies and acted out a winter activity... indoors! Then we wrote a complete sentence about our chosen activity, and using our creativity and a fancy background, made imaginative winter posters!

ANIMALS IN WINTER

We've learned that animals hibernate, migrate, and adapt:

Hibernating: Blanket of Snow Experiment
Animals who hibernate often burrow under the snow. But how can you be warm under something so cold? The experiment was simple: bury one thermometer in a snowbank, and leave the other sitting on top of the snow. To protect the thermometers, each was safe in a box. 

We left the thermometers all morning and checked their temperatures before lunch. We discovered that it actually warmer under the snow! Many animals have a better chance of surviving the cold winter when there is a lot of snow. This snow acts like a blanket. It traps heat from the earth, as well as an animal's body heat when an animal burrows deep. 

Adapting: Beautiful Bird Feeders

Many animals change colour, grow thicker fur, or adapt in some way to withstand freezing winter temperatures. 

We know Canada Geese migrate, however many birds stay here, including sparrows and woodpeckers.  We made beautiful bird feeders to treat these hardy birds who stay here during the winter. Using birdseed and cranberries, we made delightful and delicious frozen feeders!

We were thrilled to find a place to hang them!

We didn't miss this opportunity to make artwork! Using cardboard to make branches and needles, the children used a stamping method to create wonderful boughs and berries. 

Look at the robins in the trees!

We learn best when it is hands-on. Bundle up and enjoy the winter, everyone!