Butterfly Camouflage Activity

Materials

• 1 large piece of green paper
• 1 small piece of green paper
• 1 small piece of yellow paper
• butterfly punch
• paper cup
• timer or clock with second hand

 

 

 

Directions

• Use a butterfly punch to make 15 small green paper butterflies.
• Use a butterfly punch to make 15 small yellow paper butterflies.
• Mix and place the butterflies in a small paper cup.
• Have the student(s) pour and spread out the butterflies on the large piece of green paper.
• Set a timer for 15 seconds.
• Have the student(s) pick up as many butterflies as they can in the 15 seconds.
• Have the student(s) count the butterflies. How many were green? How many were yellow?
• Ask, "Which color was easier to find?  Why?"
• Compare results with other students.
• Ask, "How does a butterfly's color help it survive (from predators) in its environment?"
• Introduce (or review) the word "camouflage".
• Can the students think of other animals that also use camouflage to protect themselves from predators?

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

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

      

The butterfly punch can also be used to make bookmarks for the students....especially useful for reading butterfly, insect, and camouflage books!

(I purchased the butterfly punch at Michael's with a discount coupon.)

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