Ducks are Waterproof

Emma and I wrapped up our little "unit study" about ducks with some experiments and a trip to feed the ducks (more pictures on that later ). We read several books about ducks (all listed on my sidebar). One of our favorites was Ducks Don't Get Wet.
One of the things we learned about in this book was how ducks are waterproof and use a process called "preening" to spread oil from their oil glands onto their feathers to keep them from getting "wet".
To reinforce the process and show her how it works we mixed oil and water so Emma could see no matter how much she tried to shake it the oil and the water would always separate.
We also used some handy dandy craft feathers so that she could see the difference between feathers that were just dipped in water and the ones that were dipped in oil and then water.
I really think this (and going to look at and feed the ducks earlier in the day) tied everything that she had read about together.
I love these little unit studies and honestly wish I had time for more of them. Hopefully this summer!