Scientific Inquiry-How do Beavers live in cold water in winter?

"How does a beaver stay warm in cold water in winter?"  Friends placed the beaver in water with snow and then put their hands in the cold water too and it was very cold!  Most of us couldn't keep our hand in that water for more than a moment.  Then, the children took turns covering a disposable glove with fat (Crisco) and then placing their hand in the water.  We could keep our hands in that water for a long time with the extra fat.  Children reasoned beavers can stay in cold water because their fat bodies keep them warm.

Everyone got a chance to experiment.

Now we know how beavers stay warm in cold, cold water.

To the right is a beaver pelt, a real one that we had a chance to feel.  It was put aside to keep it clean.  Beavers have warm, waterproof fur as well.