Abstract: Although a survival blanket is a well-known object, it is not obvious which side, silver or gold, should be put outside in order better to protect against cold. This paper sums up the reasons why this problem may be instructive, beyond its practical implications: Common ideas and instructions for use share a restricted analysis, limited to the high reflective power of the silver side. An analysis and a solution of this problem are proposed, and some activities with students are suggested. 

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