Camouflage Activity: Can you Hide Like a Butterfly?

This is the lesson my students remember every year and yet it is a simple one. We discuss types of camouflage: concealing coloration, disruptive coloration, disguises, counter shading, and mimicry. The students decide which one might be more favorable in different biomes. Then I have them a white butterfly and say- use which ever type of camouflage you want, color at least 2-3 colors and blend your butterfly anywhere in the room. The first day is getting every student to design and hide a butterfly. Then the second day we hunt.

Fist students stand on chairs and hunt from their seats looking around the room, counting how many they find. Then they lie on the ground and do the same thing. Basically a birds eye view and a lizards view. Then I have them sit in their chairs, close their eyes, and imagine one, only one they found. Then go and stand by it, putting their finger on it: claiming it as their snack. Then they remove it from the wall. We place all butterflies on the door in one large pack- it looks awesome. Slowly throughout the day they disappear one by one. Last butterfly standing or blending I should say wins. A king sized candy bar for the student who remains hidden the longest.

It is funny because often it is the most obvious one that remains. They tend to go for the well hidden ones first. This is a great easy way to build a healthy competition but also get students up and moving. Here are a few of the creative ones.