Why is Mama Bear's Porridge so Cold?
Developed by Dr. Starlin Weaver 
and Dr. Ernest Bond
Salisbury State University
for Read-Aloud Delaware, March 2000

Return to Integrating Children's Literature and Scientific Inquiry

Read Jan Brett's version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Have the audience think about scientific questions they might have as they listen to the story. Have them call out their questions and write them on the board. Then have each group choose one querstion from the board and discuss how they could go about investigating. Report back to the full group.

Invariably one of the questions will concern why Mama Bear's porridge is colder than Papa and Baby Bears' (if not bring it up yourself). Then get the audience to run through how you could actually investigate whose porridge would be hotter. Get out instant oatmeal, bowls, thermometers, poster board and markers. Measure the porridge every 3 minutes for 12 minutes to determine whose is cooling faster. Keep a chart.

While carrying out the activity let the audience browse the selected informational books (List of Nonfiction Tradebooks) placed on tables around the room.

Discuss results. What factors might exist which weren't tested for?

This workshop was carried out with a group of around 20 teachers and daycare workers and was proceeded by the discussion Integrating Children's Literature and Scientific Inquiry.