http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/lesson_plans/underice2.html
This page on the pbs.org website has a good hands-on, inquiry lesson on the properties of insulation, including the adaptation of blubber used by penguins, whales and seals. There are several other easy-to-use, with moderate material set-up, lessons with many links to other resources.

Activities: Students use their hands as a “short-haired dog” in need of insulation so he can visit Antarctica. Directions on the website are clear as to how to set up this inquiry.
(By Louise Huffman)