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Cat-in-the-Box: Weathering Weathers

Created
Apr 7, 2026 3:25 PM
Remix of
By whom

By PLIX Ambassador Rob Polivka, Hillsboro Public Library, OR

Description

Create different ways cats can live through a heatwave, an avalanche, a downpour, and still dress to impress in this multi-station activity that explores scientific properties of different materials

Remix Type
ClimateCollaborative PlayPhysical MaterialsFashionFor ages 5+
super:Link
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Create different ways cats can live through a heatwave, an avalanche, a downpour, and still dress to impress in this multi-station activity that explores scientific properties of different materials.

Choose to run all stations or explore one idea at a time with your learners.

Print all the documents here 🔽

Cat-in-the-box-all-printable.pdf1.8 MiB

Connect on the forum

Use this PLIX forum thread to connect with Rob and the PLIX community about this activity!

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Avalanche

Design structures or barriers for your cat to protect it from snow and rocks!

Materials and Setup

Avalanche-setup.pdf39.6 KiB

Printable 🔽

Avalanche-printable.pdf605.9 KiB
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Downpour

Explore hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. Put your cat on a sponge “bed” and test different materials by placing it over your cat.

Materials and Setup

Downpour-setup.pdf31.1 KiB

Printable 🔽

Downpour-printable.pdf298.7 KiB
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Heatwave

Play with insulating materials, thermometers, and temperature leak detectors to explore structures that could protect cat from a heatwave!

Materials and Setup 🔽

Heatwave-setup.pdf57.6 KiB

Printable 🔽

Heatwave-printable.pdf202.6 KiB
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Litter Box Escape

Explore material properties of magical cat litter, including density, absorption, water adhesion, and friction. How will your cat ever escape the litter box?

Materials and Setup 🔽

Litterbox-escape-setup.pdf32.3 KiB

Printable 🔽

Litterbox-escape-printable.pdf167.2 KiB
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Dress to Impress

Make an outfit to protect your cat from the elements. Think about what materials can keep it warm and safe in any weather.

Printable 🔽

Dress-to-impress-printable.pdf119.7 KiB