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AGE LEVEL = 6-8 (6-10) DURATION = 40-60 min. LEARNING STATION = Field RELATED ACTIVITY = ←→ Colorful Confusion WHEN =

UNDERSTANDING: Camouflage is an effective device in protecting prey animals from predators. The ability to remain quiet and still is an important skill for prey animals.

MATERIALS:

• A blindfold (see Activity A)

• Pictures of animals using camouflage (optional)

PREPARATION: You may want to review predator-prey relationships in the Leader’s Guide.

LESSON:

Warm-up: Gather the children into a sharing circle and review the concepts of predator and prey. Ask whether they think foxes like to eat mice.

Activity: Choose one child to be the fox. The others will be mice. Blindfold the fox. Have the mice form a circle around the fox, facing outward. Have the mice radiate away from the fox, taking approximately 25 steps. (Depending on the energy level of the group, the terrain and the number of adults present, you may wish to increase or decrease this distance.) Now have the mice hide in the field. Remove the blindfold from the fox. If the fox sees any mice, they are “caught” and “eaten” and must stand for the rest of the game. When the fox can no longer spot mice, the blindfold is put back on, the remaining mice stand up, walk five steps toward the fox and hide again. Repeat until only one mouse remains uneaten.

Wrap-up: As a group, discuss how the fox was able to find the mice (bright colors, movement, giggles, etc.). Talk about camouflage, and discuss ways mice can hide better. Repeat the game as often as the group has enthusiasm for it.

OPTIONS AND FURTHER EXPLORATIONS:

1. Note: This option requires the help of at least one additional adult or older child. Gather the children into a sharing circle and tell them they will all have a chance to play the role of fox. Have them close their eyes and, while the group isn’t watched, have your helper(s) pretend to be a mouse. Have him/her hide in the field. Have the mouse occasionally make squeaking noises. The group’s job is to hunt for it on their hands and knees. The children will have approximately the same view of the world as real foxes do.
    

2. Refer to the first option listed under Activity 10 - Rainbow Hike.