Nature’s best tricksters are brought to the fore in this theme. We examine the camouflage techniques used in nature including colour, texture, stillness and shape, and explain why both the hunters and the prey have developed these attributes and techniques. We present three examples in living creatures, starting with bogong moths whose dull coloured wings allow them to blend into the environment. Next we look at decorator or dresser crabs which disguise themselves by picking up debris they find on the ocean floor and attaching it to themselves.
Lastly we look at leaf-tailed geckos which use colour, texture and a unique back-up: their detachable tails. We also examine the important role the bogong moth plays in Australian ecosystems, with particular emphasis on the dependence pygmy possums have on them as a food source
Week One
Topic 1A – Camouflage techniques
- We examine the camouflage techniques used in nature including, colour, texture, stillness and shape.
- Why predators and prey have developed camouflage techniques.
Topic 1B – Bogong Moths
- Camouflage techniques
- Migration
- Predators, with special focus on the endangered Pygmy Possum
Week Two
Topic 2A – Decorator Crabs
- We examine the fascinating technique that Decorator Crabs employ
Topic 2B – Food Chain
- We create a food chain and explore the camouflage techniques of each animal in the chain.
Week Three – Reptile and Predator Camouflage
- Leaf-tailed Geckos – what camouflage techniques do they use?
- Owls – how do they sneak up on the Leaf-tailed geckos?
- How green snakes use colour and posture to camouflage.
Week Four
Topic 4A – Comparing a range of Camouflage techniques.
- We will explore techniques used by both Terrestrial and Aquatic animals and birds.
Topic 4B – Bio-mimicry
- How humans have made use of Camouflage techniques that we have learnt from Nature. For example – silent wings of owls, butterfly skin for wind turbines +
Week Five
We link the previous week’s focus points together to create a complete story.