Animal Temperature
Recommended for grades 11–16.
Introduction
Sheep, cattle, and other livestock have techniques to protect themselves against changes in temperature. Most animals have a hide or fleece to provide warmth and protection against cold and wet conditions. In summer animals sweat to increase heat loss through evaporation and may seek out natural shade sources such as trees or stay close to water.
Animal producers and owners also have many ways of managing animals to provide proper care and shelter. Barns and shelters can protect animals from cold, rain, and snow in the winter. Barns can also provide shade in hot summer months. Sometimes, animal producers will use misting systems to help cool animals.
Sheep producers are able to shear their animals to help regulate body temperature. Does it make sense to shear a sheep right before winter? In this activity you will explore the effect of insulation on maintaining body temperature.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Analyze temperature changes over time.
- Simulate winter conditions on sheared and non-sheared “sheep.”
- Consider how environmental factors influence animal well-being.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
No standards correlations for this experiment.
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.