Why are Frogs Green? (Camouflage Activity)

Materials

• 1 large piece of green paper
• 1 small piece of green paper
• 1 small piece of yellow paper
• penny
• pencil
• scissors 
• paper cup
• timer 

Directions

• Trace a penny 15 times on the small green paper.
• Trace a penny 15 times on the small yellow paper.
• Cut out all the circles.
• Mix and place the circles in a small paper cup.
• Pour and spread out the circles on the large piece of green paper.
• Set a timer for 15 seconds.
• Pick up as many circles as you can in the 15 seconds.
• Count the circles. How many were green? How many were yellow?
• Which color was easier to find? Why?
• Compare results with other students.
• How does a frog's color help it survive (from predators) in its environment?

Students can work in pairs to complete the activity then all of the students could compare their results.

Explanation:  Many frogs are green because their environment is green. This is a result of the animals' many years of adaptation to their environment. Frogs that are green use camouflage to hide from predators.

 If students want to learn more about camouflage, here are some good books for kids.