As students explore the natural area in silence, they search for bugs and investigate the ways camouflage helps them hide in plain sight.
Students to discover the importance of bugs in nature, and learn which bugs live in their direct environment and how camouflage helps them survive.
Choose a nearby natural area that’s large enough for students to spread out and find their own quiet spot. Scout the area beforehand to ensure there are bugs to find and natural camouflage to observe.
Inform students that they will go outside, so they can bring proper shoes and clothing.
Hide colourful ‘bugs’ made of pipe cleaners in the area.
Start with a game; the students have to find the colourful bugs made of pipe cleaner. Then discuss shortly why these bugs were easy/difficult to find (depending on the colour).
Explain the students that they’ll be exploring nature like scientists. Share the aim with the students; ”Today, we’re learning about bugs. We learn why they are important, explore which bugs live in this area, what they look like and how camouflage helps them survive. As a pre activity, students can optionally Hypothesis Development beforehand.
The students explore the natural area and look carefully for bugs. They use pots magnifying bug jars to observe the bugs closely.
Ask what students know about the importance of bugs. Mention their role in:
Let the students discuss in pairs, which you make through Random Groups or Interest Groups, what they saw and how the bugs blend into the area. Ask questions as:
What bugs did you find?
Where were they hiding?
How did camouflage help them?
Why do you think camouflage is necessary?
Make a recap of the activity and discuss in the group:
| Investigate |