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Nature’s Disguise

Activity

Creating Camouflage Collages with Sticks and Leaves

Many reptiles and amphibians have camouflage abilities that allow them to blend in with their environment to hide from predators. Use sticks, leaves, and other natural materials that you find around you to create a collage that can camouflage with Perez’s natural landscape. Take a picture of your collage among the foliage and test friends and family to see if they can accurately point it out.

Science Seed

Camouflage is an adaptation that allows some animals to blend in with parts of their environment. Camouflage is not only used to disguise animals from predators but it is also used by many predators as a tool for hunting and hiding from their prey. There are 4 basic types of camouflage 1) concealing coloration (hiding against a background of the same color, eg. polar bears), 2) disruptive coloration (spots, stripes, and other patterns that disguise an animal’s body shape, eg. zebras), 3) disguise (like #1, but with textures and shapes, eg. walking stick bug) and 4) mimicry (copying characteristics of unappetizing animals, eg. the viceroy butterfly looks just like its toxic cousin, the monarch).

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.