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Coyote
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The Camouflage Trail
Background
Skin and fur coloration for animals that live at Great Sand Dunes
is an essential component for survival.
This activity may be done in conjunction with You
Can’t See Me.
Procedure
Choose a short segment along a trail near the dunes. Place 10 to
15 man-made objects at different heights on the trail. Some of them
should stand out brightly, like balloons or florescent markers.
Others should blend into the colors of the trail and be more difficult
to see. Do not tell the students how many objects you planted, but
keep a list for yourself so you don't leave anything behind when
you leave.
Have students walk silently along the trail one at a time, with
a one or two minute interval between them. The students are to spot
as many of the objects as they can. After all the students have
gathered together with an adult who was sent first along the trail,
discuss what they saw. Ask the group how many objects they saw,
or, if you prefer, make a list together or in journals. Walk back
as a group along the trail picking up each item as you pass it.
Critical Thinking
- Did the things everyone saw have anything in common? What?
- Did the things fewer people saw have anything in common? What?
Extension
In the classroom, have students create their own small animals
as an art project using clay, pipe cleaners, or other materials.
Have the class 'hide' their animals in plain sight (not inside a
desk, etc.). Invite another class into your room to find the animals.
Were any not found? What was unique about those? You can also do
this with a single class, half at a time.
The Camouflage Trail and You Can't See Me may be performed at
Great Sand Dunes or another natural area.
Adapted from Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell.
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