Can You See Me Now
	Science Process Skills observing interpreting applying	Life Skills critical thinking
	Materials box of assorted colored toothpicks open area, preferably outside: park, playground, backyard
	Doing the Activity Sort the toothpicks by color. Count how many of each color toothpicks. Mix all the toothpicks together in a paper or plastic bag. Distribute toothpicks randomly around an area. The size of area depends on the number of participants. The activity works best if there are a variety of surfaces such as grass, gravel, bushes and trees.
	Reflecting Which color toothpick did the group find the most? Why? Which color toothpick did the group find the least? Why? How would the location where the activity was done affect the outcome? What are some animals where you live that are like the easy to find toothpicks? The hard to find toothpicks? Would the animals you identified from your area be camouflaged in the desert?
	Apply What advantage does camouflage provide an animal? Why are some animals camouflaged and others brightly colored? Examples: Coral Snake & Bumble Bee. What are some ways that humans use camouflage?
	What's Happening This activity provides a simple way for students to discover why camouflage is important to animals.
	More Challenges What animals in your area use camouflage? Internet sites for students & educators: The Art of Camouflage How Things Work Waldo Camouflage
	Activity Source   Extension - Science - Engineering - Technology Iowa State University

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
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	E-SET ISU Extension Extension Sites Search Contact information: Vicki Speake speake@iastate.edu Updated: September, 2003 NNST CYFERNet