Preparing for Winter -MIgration/Hibernation

November brings changes in our weather and changes in the behavior
of animals. Some of our creatures migrate south like birds, humming 
birds and butterflies and bats. Other animals stay put and hibernate 
through the winter. Bears are light hibernators and wake occasionally 
throughout winter.  Others are true hibernators and reach the deep 
sleep called "torpor".  The groundhog slows his heartbeat from 80 
to 4 beats per minute!  Frogs bury in the mud and their liver produces 
large amounts of sugar to change the viscosity of their blood and keep 
their blood flowing and prevent freezing.  We "froze" maple syrup as 
an example to show the children how sugar in the fluid prevents a hard 
freeze of the liquid.


We examine changes in our own heart rate by checking our pulse 
resting and then again after running.  This demonstrates how heart 
rate increases with energy being used and decreases when we are 
resting.  Hibernators can survive without eating because they are 
resting and not using much of their fat stores for energy.


We each made birdfeed garlands to take home so the backyard friends
can eat - whether they are staying for the winter or just passing
through our yards as they migrate south.  The yarn will provide a nice
bit of nesting material after the feed is gone. We also made another
garland of "bird feed" for our own snack!

We wish all our Science Fun Friends a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
We are thankful for the opportunity to share the knowledge of God's
creation with these wonderful children.