During our adaptation unit every year, students learn to identify between the different types of camouflage: discoloration, mimicry etc. A few years ago, I decided that having them watch a slide show, of animals hidden in their habitats, was not effective. I decided that getting students creative and mobile, by having them design a butterfly, with a type of camouflage and hiding it my classroom, might help them feel more connected to the terminology. The concept, these past four years, has been based on empowerment and competitiveness.
Competitiveness is in nature. Camouflage is a result of this. Being able to blend in, hide and survive, is inherent in the behavior, of most organisms. Especially prey. So I incorporated that into an easy, fun, engaging lesson. The butterfly hunt. Every student is given one butterfly and they have to camouflage it. Then they hide it in my classroom- as long as it is in plain sight, from the center of the room- high or low- it is good to go. They have 30 minutes to color and hide. This took place Friday.
Monday we will have the hunt. Step one- they have to stay seated, scan the room and count as many as they can find. This represents the lizards and other organisms that live close to the ground. Then they have to stand, at their tables and do the same thing. This represents the birds. Then, finally, students have to hone in, on one butterfly. Finally, they have to go to it and put their finger on it. If two students go to the same butterfly, this is competition, and they have to find a different one. Then they remove it (eat it) and we place all the 'found' butterflies on the back wall. This way as students enter, they can see if theirs was found, instantly.
The last butterfly to be found, is the winner. Their genes get passed on. They also, win a king sized candy bar. The competition is fierce. By 8th period, all of the butterflies, are on the back chalkboard. A bright, colorful display of camouflage, at its best. It is a fun day. A day that students talk about in the halls. Word spreads quickly, when a students butterfly is 'eaten.'
During each class, after they have eaten, we close the lesson by discussing, why they chose the butterfly they did, and why camouflage is advantageous. They really get to experience competition, predator-prey relationships and adaptation first hand. One of my favorite lessons of the year. Tomorrow the hunt is afoot.
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