Polar Bears and Blubber

Our next nonfiction study will focus on Polar Bears. So far, we have learned a lot about South Pole Animals (Penguins/Seals) and learned a bit about a North Pole animal (Walruses). They asked some great questions about the interactions of these animals (Do walruses eat penguins for example) and we looked at our maps and learned that they live in different poles so that answered our question! 

These studies are really creating an opportunity for questioning at all levels and it's great to see them problem solve to try to figure out the answers instead of just telling them. They are using all sorts of nonfiction/informational text resources such as PebbleGo, books, and National Geographic for Kids. 

Our polar bear study will jump off with an experiment about blubber. We never got this because of our snow days so this will be perfect with connecting our past study of Walruses and our new study of Polar Bears together. They will put their hand in a bag that is insulated by Crisco into cold ice water. They will also do this without the Crisco and compare. In their packet is a sheet to fill out their observations and conclusions. Then we will begin to learn about the polar bear. Starting with a diagram and can/have/are. 

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