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Winter Camouflage

Elementary

Description

Winter Camouflage is an engaging, hands-on activity aimed at developing an understanding in early learners of animals and the role of camouflage.

Prior to begining the activity the students will complete a K-W-L chart about arctic foxes and snowshoe hares. The activity itself begins with the students watching a video clip from Elinor Wonders Why entitled "Hiding in Plain Sight" in which a character observes different examples of animal camouflage while playing hide and seek. 

Next the students will prepare three paper rabbits (one white, one brown and one green) that will be hidden outside for a scavenger hunt. The students will make and then record their predictions about which rabbits will be easier to find.  Following the scavenger hunt, students debrief with the teacher and compare the findings with their predictions.

Included with the activity are extension ideas and additional resources.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Winter Camouflage is an easy to implement and engaging activity best suited for the early elementary classroom. It will help to attain the curricular outcomes related to daily and seasonal changes in addition to animal adaptations and growth. The activity is intended for use in the  winter months when snow cover can help to camouflage the white rabbits but it can also be carried out at other times of the year with green and brown rabbits as part of the activity.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Forests