• What do we mean by camouflage? Can anyone give examples?
• Why might we want to camouflage ourselves?
• Some animals and insects are masters of disguise!
  They have to be in order to survive.

Let’s look at how they do it. Perhaps this will help us in improving our own camouflage.

[Good examples that children will understand: tigers; zebras; tropical fish; stick insects; crickets.
Find good illustrations. Note that the animal is only disguised in its own particular habitat. When the tropical fish is seen away from the brilliant colours of a coral reef it becomes all too visible.]

[It is a good idea to set the children a challenge. Choose a particular place or an
imaginary situation.]

• Who are you? A person? An animal? An object?
• Where are you? What are your surroundings like?
• By using paint on your Playsuit, how are you going to blend in and become invisible?
• Think about the background you have to merge with - what colours, patterns and textures will help to conceal you.
• Don’t forget, the rest of us will be trying to spot you!
  

Meeting curriculum requirements:

The children will be learning to observe closely and to represent what they see. They will become more aware of pattern
and texture and the use of colour for functional purposes in the natural world. They will use their understanding of these
aesthetic qualities to imagine and design their own camouflage scheme.

Tips for Painting:

Since the whole Playsuit will have to be covered - work simply and boldly
Use large brushes and/or sponges
Experiment on a test piece of paper before beginning on the Playsuit.

Useful Reference:

Dorling Kindersley publish an excellent range of books, videos and CDs on the natural world. Many discuss camouflage
and give good examples.

What you will need:

Playsuits, paints, brushes, water jars, mixing tray or palette, rags or paper towels. Kitchen or sugar paper for experiments.

Activity 0022 Exploring colour
Activity 0071 Butterflies