1. Topic-
Animal use of Camouflage
 
2. Content-
Students will learn about camouflage by researching animals, exploring outdoor areas, recording observations, and participating in discussions. Key vocabulary includes: camouflage, prey, predator.
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
Students will answer:
1. Why do animals use camouflage?
2. How does camouflage affect an animal's chance of survival?
3. Which animals are known for using camouflage?
 
4. Objectives-
1. Students will explore outdoor areas in search of animals using camouflage.
2. Students will record and discuss observations.
3. Students will research uses for camouflage and common animals that use camouflage.
 
5. Materials and Aids-
Paper, pencils, crayons, magnifying glasses, scales, rulers, encyclopedias, and online research tools.
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. Students will gather outside and be instructed to play a game of hide and seek.
2. Students will be asked to explain why they chose specific hiding places and how other students found them.
3. Students will discuss how animals play a game of hide and seek as well.
 

B. Development-

1. Teacher will discuss the meaning of camouflage.
2. Teacher will provide verbal and visual examples of camouflage being used.
3. Teacher will provide examples of why camouflage is used and explain the meaning of prey and predator.
 

C. Practice-

1. Students will be put into pairs and asked to explore the outdoor area in search of animals using camouflage. Students will be given paper, pencils, crayons, scales, magnifying glasses, and rulers. Students will be asked to record any observations without harming any wildlife.
2. Students will discuss their findings and compare/contrast findings with each other.
3. Students will continue to work in their pairings to research animals using camouflage using encyclopedias and online research tools.
4. Students will present their findings to the class.
5. Students will discuss and conclude the importance of camouflage and why it is used.
 

D. Independent Practice-

1. Formative assessment will include assessing the observational notes that will be handed in at completion of the lesson.
2. Research notes will also be assessed when handed in at the completion of the lesson.
3. Formative assessment will be used throughout the lesson by engaging students in discussion about camouflage and assessing their understanding and knowledge of the subject.
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

1. Students with physical limitations will be given camouflaged specimens to examine.
2. Students needing accommodations will be given lengthened periods of time to complete observational and research notes.
3. Students needing accommodations will be given assistance while examining specimens and completing research.
4. Students needing accommodations will be given the opportunity to explain findings to the teacher in a private setting.
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1. A formative assessment tool of a checklist will be implemented to assess understanding.
2. Students will be engaged in discussion and asked to answer questions about their findings: What do the animals have in common? Why is the animals coloring important? Which animals were easily identifiable?
3. Students will be engaged in discussion and asked to answer questions about camouflage: Why do animals use camouflage? How does camouflage affect an animals chance of survival?
 

G. Closure-

1. Students will be given a reflection report paper. Students will complete reflection report.
2. The reflection report will ask students: What did you learn about camouflage? Which animals did you find? Which animals commonly use camouflage? Why do animals use camouflage? Did you enjoy this activity, why or why not?
 
7. Evaluation-
1. Summative assessment will be used using the reflection report paper given at the closing of the lesson.
2. The reflection report paper will evaluate students learning at the closing of the lesson.
 
8. Teacher Reflection-
This lesson will provide students with a hands on, age appropriate, and inquiry based learning activity. By using formative and summative assessments, students learning will be evaluated as well as if objectives are being met and how the lesson can be improved.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)