Have you ever noticed how your body feels warm even on a chilly day? Or why do doctors and first responders work quickly to keep someone from getting too cold? Your body is constantly working behind the scenes to maintain a healthy temperature—and that’s some pretty amazing science.

In this hands-on STEM activity, we’ll explore how heat escapes, how insulation works, and why tools like thermal blankets are used in real-world medicine. Get ready to think like a medical scientist as we investigate how to help the body stay warm!

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 identical cups or small jars

  • Warm (not hot) water

  • Aluminum foil

  • Paper towels or cloth

  • Plastic wrap

  • A thermometer (optional but helpful)

  • Timer

Step 1: Set Up

Fill both cups with the same amount of warm water. This represents normal body temperature.

Leave one cup uncovered.
 Wrap the other cup with a layer of foil, paper towel, or cloth. Secure it with tape or a rubber band.

Step 2: Observe

Check the temperature (or carefully feel the outside of the cups) every 5 minutes for 15–20 minutes.

Which cup stays warmer longer?

What’s Happening?

The wrapped cup stays warmer because the extra layers act as insulation. Insulation slows down heat loss.

In real-life emergency medicine, thermal blankets work the same way. They help prevent the body from losing too much heat, which is especially important in cold environments or when someone is in shock.

Extend the Learning

Try different materials:

  • Which material keeps heat in the best?

  • What happens if you wrap multiple layers?

  • How might this relate to clothing choices in winter?

Encourage your child to make predictions before testing—this is how scientists think!

At Little Medical School, children explore real-world medical concepts through hands-on STEM learning. By understanding how the body maintains temperature, students gain insight into human biology while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Science is happening inside your body every minute—keep exploring!