Winter Animals
True or false: Japanese macaques (also called snow monkeys) have snowball fights with each other
True!
True or false: the Winter Olympics happen every 8 years.
False, the Winter Olympics happen every 4 years
Which month has the lowest average temperature in Minnesota? December, January, or February
January
True or false: up to 93% of people are given chocolate as gifts during the holiday season
True!
True or false: you can temporarily go blind from looking at snow for too long without eye protection
True. Called "snow blindness", when the UV rays from the sun hit the white snow, the light is so bright and powerful it can cause a temporary (but painful) loss in vision. Wear sunglasses or ski goggles when playing in the snow for long periods of time
True or false: reindeer and caribou are the same species
True!
Where did speed skating originate? Russia, Norway, or The Netherlands
The Netherlands
True of False: snowflakes are white
False! Snowflakes are actually clear, but they appear white because they reflect the white light from the sun.
What was the original purpose of marshmallows before they became a popular hot chocolate topping?
A. A replacement for sugar in recipes
B. Medicinal syrup and ointments
C. Flavoring for soups and stews
B. Medicinal syrup and ointments
True or false: sunsets are more colorful in winter
True! The colder winter air is less humid than warm summer air, meaning there are fewer water particles in the air. The clearer air makes the colors in sunsets and sunrises appear brighter.
True or false: polar bears have white fur?
False! Polar bears have transparent fur which reflects light to appear white
True or False: Minnesota has the most miles of snowmobile trails in the country
True. Minnesota has over 22,000 miles of designated snowmobile trails.
How much snow does Minnesota get per year (on average)? 20 inches, 40 inches, or 60 inches?
40 inches
This modern snack cookie, bought year-round nowadays, was originally considered a holiday treat: Oreos, Animal Crackers, or Chips Ahoy?
Animal Crackers
True or false: the air seems quieter in winter
True. Snow can absorb sound waves, making the air seem quieter than in warmer months.
True or false: snow leopards are actually more closely related to tigers than other leopards?
True! Despite their name, snow leopards are genetically closer related to tigers than leopards.
What is the most viewed sport in the Winter Olympics? Figure skating, ice hockey, or snowboarding?
Figure skating
True or false: It has snowed in the Sahara Desert.
True! In 2018 it snowed in the Sahara Desert. Some areas received up to 16 inches of snow during this unusual weather event for the area.
True or false: sugar plums are not actually made from plums
True! The word "plum" used to refer to any fruit, so sugar plums can be made from any dried fruit
Snow is made of both air and water. Is there more air or more water in snow?
More air! Snow is made up of about 95% air and only about 5% water. The trapped air makes it fluffy, light, and take up more space than the same amount of rainfall
How long can Emperor Penguins hold a single breath underwater? 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes?
30 minutes
What is Minnesota's official state sport? (hint: it's usually played in winter)
Hockey
How large was the biggest snowflake recorded (in diameter)? 6 inches, 10 inches, or 15 inches?
15 inches
Before turkey became the holiday meal tradition, people who lived off the land used to eat what bird for holiday dinner? Geese, pigeon, or ostrich
Geese
How many words do the Inuit people have for snow? 2, 10, or 50?
50