DIY: Penguin Huddle Experiment

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Penguin Huddle Experiment

Stem Activities

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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How do penguins survive in the extreme cold of polar environments? They have a unique warming technique—huddling. Penguins gather in tight groups, supporting each other to minimise heat loss. This behaviour isn't just about staying warm; it increases their collective chances of survival. Let's explore how penguins use this "huddling strategy" to cope with severe weather!

Materials Needed

6-8 test tubes
Warm water
Test tube rack (optional)
2 thermometers

Arranged on a light wood-grain table are various laboratory items. These include a clear acrylic test tube rack with one test tube, a clear glass filled with water, a clear beaker containing several thin glass tubes or rods, and two digital thermometers with long metal probes and white plastic bodies. The items appear to be set up for a scientific experiment or demonstration.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Pour warm water into each test tube.

A hand holds a clear glass test tube as water is poured into it from a clear glass. The water is flowing from the glass into the test tube against a light wood-grain background.

Step 2

Place one test tube separately with a thermometer inside it, then group the remaining test tubes together with a thermometer in the middle test tube.

Two digital thermometers are shown inserted into glass tubes containing clear liquid. One thermometer sits in a test tube held by a clear acrylic rack on a light wood-grain table. The other thermometer is placed in a glass beaker containing several other glass tubes, also filled with liquid. The thermometers display different temperature readings. The background is a white wall decorated with colorful star and flower stickers.

Step 3

Wait patiently and observe the thermometers. What do you notice?

Two digital thermometers are shown against a white background decorated with colorful star and flower stickers. One thermometer stands in a clear plastic test tube rack, and the other is inside a clear glass holding several test tubes. The thermometers display slightly different temperature readings in Celsius. The video subtly zooms in on the thermometers and then back out. The setup suggests a simple science experiment, possibly related to measuring temperature changes.

The Science Behind It:

The isolated test tube cools down faster, while the grouped test tubes cool more slowly—this is exactly why penguins huddle together. Penguins reduce heat loss by gathering in groups. In freezing conditions, they press together, making physical contact to form a tight cluster. This reduces the impact of wind on their bodies and maintains warmth through body heat exchange. Meanwhile, penguins take turns standing at the group's periphery and interior, ensuring each penguin gets enough warmth. Through this collective behaviour, penguins can survive in extremely low temperatures.

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