DIY: Waterproof Penguin | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Waterproof Penguin

Stem Activities

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Did you know that penguins are birds, and they're among the few birds that can 'fly' underwater? Adult penguins are covered in tightly packed feathers that are smooth and waterproof, allowing them to survive in the harsh Antarctic environment. This scientific activity helps children understand the secret behind penguins' waterproof feathers through a wax crayon colouring exercise.

Materials Needed

Penguin template paper
Food colouring
Dropper
Wax crayons
Water
Scissors

A flat lay on a light wood surface displays craft supplies arranged for a children's activity. The items include a printed image of a cute cartoon penguin on white paper, three crayons (pink, yellow, and dark gray), a pair of blue-handled scissors, a small bottle of blue liquid (likely paint or ink), a clear glass or plastic beaker with a small amount of clear liquid, and a clear plastic pipette or dropper. The arrangement suggests preparation for a penguin-themed craft project.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Print the template and colour all parts of the penguin (including white areas) with wax crayons. Make sure to cover every area thoroughly and apply a thick layer - you may want to colour it twice.

A hand squeezes blue coloring from a small bottle with a nozzle into a clear glass beaker containing a small amount of clear liquid. The blue coloring is swirling and dissolving into the liquid. The beaker sits on a light wood surface.

Step 2

Add 2-3 drops of food colouring to the water and mix well.

A hand holding a gray crayon is coloring a printed image of a cartoon penguin on a piece of white paper. The penguin's body is partially colored gray, and its feet are pink. Another hand is visible at the bottom left corner, holding the paper in place. The background is a light wood surface.

Step 3

Use the dropper to draw up some coloured water.

A clear glass beaker filled with bright blue liquid sits on a light wood surface. A clear plastic pipette containing a small amount of the same blue liquid is positioned above the beaker, with the tip just touching the surface of the liquid. This suggests an experiment or activity involving the liquid.

Step 4

Drop the coloured water onto the penguin. Observe carefully how the water droplets sit on the penguin's 'fur' without making it wet.

A hand holds a pipette filled with blue liquid over a drawing of a cartoon penguin on white paper. The penguin's outline is black, its feet are pink, and some gray crayon shading is visible on its body. Another hand is partially visible at the bottom left, holding the paper. The background is a light wood surface. The image appears to depict a child's art project in progress, using a crayon resist technique with liquid watercolor.

The Science Behind It:

Penguins have short, dense feathers that trap air for warmth and secrete waterproof oils that allow water to slide off without penetrating. This structure keeps penguins dry and warm while swimming in icy waters. In our experiment, colouring with wax crayons mimics this waterproof protection, preventing water from soaking into the paper.

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We’re a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and educators dedicated to delivering hands-on fun. Our mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of young innovators.