19 Absolute Zero

CHAPTER NINETEEN Absolute Zero Absolute Zero (noun). This is the coldest possible temperature. Since temperature indicates how fast molecules are moving, molecules at absolute zero would be like the laziest molecules in the world. "I REALLY HOPE there are penguins in the show," said Julia as we stepped down into the amphitheater. "Me too," I said. "They might be here somewhere. Since it's a tiny bit chilly in here." "It's absolutely freezing," said Julia, shivering. "Like absolute zero." "Um, that's not quite possible," Tala said. "Absolute zero is the coldest possible temperature. Where there is no heat at all. And astronomers haven't even discovered that in outer space. I think it's hot in here," she added. "Are you sure you're really from California?" I said, and we all laughed. "Well, whatever sea creatures we see, it will be wonderful," Mom said. And it wasn't hard to agree once I looked around. Even though we were inside, it

felt like we weren't. Giant boulders surrounded the amphitheater. A wall painted sky blue with fluffy white clouds rose behind a giant tank with sparkling water. On the far left of the tank there was even what looked like a rocky island with pine trees. "Oh, you know this is going to be good," said Birdie, as we sat down on what looked like stone steps, which were our seats. We were right in front of the huge tank of water. The only thing separating us was a walkway and a clear acrylic divider. "We're super close, which means we're going to get wet!" We all cheered, except for Julia. "You sure will," said a Shedd staffer in a blue polo and khakis. "Not me," said Julia. Out of her backpack, she pulled a clear plastic poncho. "Wow. You came prepared," I said. "I'm impressed," said Tala. "I'm kind of looking forward to getting wet," Birdie admitted as a Shedd emcee's voice boomed out of the speakers. "Welcome to Shedd's aquatic presentation," the emcee said as everyone quieted down. "You're going to get a closer look at the animals in Shedd's care. During the presentation, I hope you'll join in and have fun as you learn more about these extraordinary animals and how they thrive in nature. We do ask for

no flash photography for the safety of the animals. Before we get started, I'd like to get to know a little bit more about you. So on the count of three, everyone shout out where you're visiting from." We all shouted that we were from Michigan. Other school groups were from Chicago and other parts of Illinois. And I heard some kids yell Indiana and Iowa too. Then dolphins started swimming around. "Guess the first animal in the show is dolphins," I said, whispering to Birdie as the graceful dolphins started arcing out of the water. We soon learned how dolphins are uniquely adapted for life in the water. The far wall behind the tank became like a screen showing how a dolphin's flippers help them to steer. As dolphins powered up for some acrobatic jumps, they made huge splashes, and we definitely got a little wet. There were also trainers in wet suits standing on a rock island in the middle of the pool. It was awesome.

When they asked for a volunteer—"someone who can jump up really high"—I raised my hand as far as I could. "Me! Me!" The emcee picked a kid with red hair and glasses from another school. After saying his name was Sam, the host told him to jump the highest he had ever jumped in his life. We counted down: "Three. Two. One." Then he jumped. "Awesome," said the emcee. "That was probably about a foot. Guess what? These Pacific white-sided dolphins can jump twenty feet." I believed it. After learning more about the dolphins, we had one last look at the mammals while music played and the screen was lit up by bubbles. Everyone was clapping along.

Next a trainer brought out a raptor. Everyone quieted down as she explained it was a red-tailed hawk. I thought it was cool how the aquarium had birds. I wasn't expecting that at all. When it flapped its wings, I was amazed at the wingspan. "I'd like one of those in the office during the summer," Mom joked. "If it flapped its wings, I wouldn't need a fan." After we learned some cool facts about the hawk, like how its eyesight is eight times better than humans', the host said we should get ready for our last animal. "What is it?" someone called out from the back. "You'll see," said the emcee. "Okay, everyone. We're going to have some animals joining us on the walkway, and so I want everyone to remain seated and stay calm." "Oh, I wonder what it will be?" said Tala. "Maybe whales?" suggested Memito from behind me. I laughed. "Last time I looked whales can't walk on land." "Maybe they put them on giant skateboards," said Elijah, and we all cracked up. But I was so excited I

was biting my fingernails. "I really, really hope it's penguins," I said. "Me too," said Julia. "Okay, everyone," said the emcee. "Let's give it up for our special guests." All of us looked at the walkway, and I couldn't believe my eyes. Because this animal was ridiculously cute.