Butterfly Camouflage

Grades: 1-3

*This is a lesson I taught to first, second, and third grade students as part of an afterschool science program.

1. Start by showing students three colored flowers and three colored butterflies. Put a butterfly on each flower and ask the students to observe what they notice. Now move the butterflies to another flower and ask the students to observe what they notice. Do this a third time so that the color of butterflies matches the color of flowers.

2. Discuss the students observations, guiding them into the discussion of camouflage.

3. Now show the students a picture of a butterfly.

4. Have the students color the butterfly in their books to match the pattern and coloring on the butterfly (Integrating Art). Ask the students to predict what type of environment the butterfly could camouflage into.

5. Next, show a picture of that butterfly hiding in the environment. Discuss the environment and have students write the information discussed under the ‘About this Butterfly’ part on the page in the butterfly books.

6. Repeat the above two steps according to time.

7. Next, allow students time to scan through book with butterflies. Have them pick their favorite butterfly. Give the students a large, white paper butterfly and instruct the students to color their butterfly like the one they chose in the books.

8. Have the students share their butterfly with the class, identifying what environment the butterfly would best camouflage into.

9. Discuss and review today's lesson. Then send home outreach letter.

Camouflage

Grades: 1-6

*This is a lesson I taught to first through sixth grade students as part of a weeklong science camp.

1. Look at pictures near and far to find the camouflaged animal. Have students try to find the camouflaged animal. Discuss the different ways animals can ‘hide’ in their surroundings. Also discuss reasons why animals need to camouflage.

2. Discuss different patterns of camouflage – show furs and discuss where these animals can best hide.

3. Have students create their own camouflaged critter using various art supplies (Integrating Art). The students must be able to describe what environment this animal can camouflage into.

* Enhancement: To challenge students, have an environment already decided and then challenge them to create an animal to camouflage into that specific environment.

Color as Camouflage

Grades: 1-6

*This is a lesson I taught to first through sixth grade students as part of a weeklong science camp.

1. Spread colored worms (pipe cleaners) onto the grass. Give students a set amount of time (according to worksheet) to pick up as many worms as possible.

2. Have students count how many worms of each color they picked up. Have them fill in the chart on the worksheet.

3. Repeat the first and second step for the second amount of time.

4. Collect and analyze all data, then answer and discuss the questions on the bottom portion of the worksheet.

5. Read and discuss A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni. This book describes how chameleons change color in order to camouflage into their current environment (Language Arts Integration).

6. Give students a chameleon outline and allow them to paint as desired (integrating art). Have each student share their chameleon with the class, identifying where the animals would best camouflage.