Back

Facts for Kids

Cold is the presence of low temperature, especially in the atmosphere, affecting weather patterns and living organisms.

Overview

How Temperature Is Measured

Cultural Perspectives On Cold

Scientific Definition Of Cold

Cold In Nature Climate And Weather

Effects Of Cold On Living Organisms

Cold Regions Adaptations And Ecosystems

Psychological Effects Of Cold Temperatures

Historical Events Influenced By Cold Weather

Cold In Technology Refrigeration And Cryogenics

main image

Inside this Article

United States

New York City

Temperature

Technology

Fahrenheit

Did you know?

❄️ Cold is the presence of low temperatures, especially in the atmosphere.

🌡️ Temperature is measured using units called degrees, with Celsius and Fahrenheit being the most common.

🌍 Cold air can hold less moisture, which is why we see snow in winter.

🐻 Many animals hibernate during cold months to stay warm.

🧊 Water freezes at 0°C (32°F), making it very cold!

🌬️ Your breath can be seen as a mist when it’s chilly outside because the air is cooler than your breath.

🐾 Creatures in cold regions, like polar bears, have special adaptations such as thick fur to survive.

☃️ Cold weather influences cultural celebrations, like building snowmen and enjoying hot chocolate.

🥵 Refrigeration keeps our food fresh by maintaining low temperatures.

🌱 Cold ecosystems, like the tundra, are home to unique plants and animals that thrive despite the cold.

Introduction

Cold is a fascinating part of our world! ❄

️ It means low temperatures, like when you feel chilly on a winter day. Cold happens because of how the Earth's atmosphere works. Places like Antarctica are super cold with freezing temperatures that can drop below -60°F (-51°C)! 😱

Cold air can also hold less moisture, which is why it sometimes snows in winter. Everyone experiences cold differently: you might love building snowmen, while some animals hibernate, or sleep, to stay warm! 🐻

Understanding cold helps us explore nature, weather, and even technology! Let’s dive into the science behind it!
Read Less

How Temperature Is Measured

Temperature tells us how hot or cold something is! 🌡

️ We measure temperature with thermometers. In colder places, we often see temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Thermometers can have liquid, like mercury, rise inside them or use digital sensors. Did you know that temperature can also be measured in Kelvin (K)? ❗

️ This is used in science! To understand what to wear or how to prepare for the day 🌞, keeping an eye on the temperature helps us enjoy each season comfortably!
Read Less

Cultural Perspectives On Cold

Cold weather affects cultures worldwide! ☃

️ In Russia, winter celebrations include ice skating and building snow forts! Many cultures have special foods during cold months, like hot chocolate in the United States ☕ or spicy soups in Mexico. Festivals like Christmas and Diwali take place in winter, celebrating joy even in chilly temperatures. Cultural activities like snowshoeing and skiing allow people to enjoy the outdoors, while cozy gatherings bring families together. 🎉

Cold can inspire art, stories, and traditions that connect us all in wonderful ways!
Read Less

Scientific Definition Of Cold

Scientifically, cold is the absence of heat! 🔬

Temperature is measured using units called degrees. There are two common scales: Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). Water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and boils at 100°C (212°F). When something feels cold, like ice 🧊, it has lower temperature. Molecules, the tiny building blocks of everything, move slower in cold temperatures. This is why your breath can be seen as a mist when it’s chilly outside! 🌬

️ Cold can influence weather patterns and the environment, making life both beautiful and challenging!
Read Less

Cold In Nature: Climate And Weather

Cold affects climate and weather in various ways! 🌍

Areas near the poles, like the North and South Poles, experience extreme cold all year long. These regions have ice and snow with average temperatures around -30°F (-34°C)! 🌨

️ But cold also appears in winter other places. The jet stream, a fast river of air, can bring chilly weather suddenly! In Japan, the phenomenon called “Shirayuki” means white snow, which blankets the land! 🌸

Cold plays a crucial role in the Earth's systems, including how we experience different seasons.
Read Less

Effects Of Cold On Living Organisms

Cold impacts all living things! 🐾

Creatures like bears and frogs sleep during the cold months. This process is called hibernation. ❄

️ Many plants also have adaptations, like staying dormant (not growing) until the weather warms up. Some animals, like the Arctic fox, have thick fur that keeps them warm in extreme temperatures. 🦊

Other species, like penguins, huddle together to stay warm! Even we humans wear cozy clothes like jackets and hats to manage the cold! 🧣

Understanding cold let's us help animals and plants survive.
Read Less

Cold Regions: Adaptations And Ecosystems

Cold regions, like the Arctic or tundra 🏔️, are unique ecosystems 🐻. Animals, like polar bears and caribou, have special adaptations to survive, like thick fur or blubber (fat) for warmth. These areas have short growing seasons and permafrost, or permanently frozen ground. The tundra is home to interesting plants like moss and lichen, which can survive harsh conditions! 🌱

Even in cold, life is vibrant and bustling! Studying these ecosystems helps scientists understand how life adapts and thrives, even in the coldest places.
Read Less

Psychological Effects Of Cold Temperatures

Cold temperatures can also change how we feel! 🌡

️ Some people feel energized in cool weather 🏃‍♂️ while others might feel tired or sad. This is sometimes called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In shorter, darker days, our bodies can crave sunlight ☀️. To feel better, we can stay active, get sunlight when possible, or enjoy warm indoor activities like reading or crafting! 🎨

Remember, it’s important to enjoy the season and the cozy moments that come with the cold!
Read Less

Historical Events Influenced By Cold Weather

Cold weather has shaped history in many exciting ways! 🌨

️ During the Winter War (1939-1940), Finland fought against the Soviet Union in snowy conditions. In 1683, a cold winter helped create the “Great Freeze,” affecting many European countries! ❄

️ Snowstorms also led to the famous “Winter of the Deep Snow" in 1888, which stranded people in New York City! These events remind us how powerful nature can be. 🌍

Throughout history, cold weather has impacted battles, explorations, and discoveries, shaping our world.
Read Less

Cold In Technology: Refrigeration And Cryogenics

Humans use cold in amazing technologies! 🥵

Refrigeration keeps our food fresh and safe by staying below 40°F (4°C). This is super important for keeping fruits, vegetables, and dairy products tasty! In cryogenics, scientists study how to make things incredibly cold, like -321°F (-196°C) so they can keep cells and materials preserved for research! ❄

️ Some space missions even use cryogenics to store rockets. Cold technology helps us in everyday life, from chilling drinks 🍹 to exciting discoveries in science!
Read Less

Cold Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a “Challenge” on DIY?
What is a “Course” on DIY?
What are “Skills” on DIY?
What if I'm new to all this—where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.