Leapin' Lizards

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In this outdoor activity, learners first explore lizard feeding behavior by creating a "lizard rig" to dangle different objects in front of live lizards and see which objects the lizards try to bite. Learners consider what color, shape, size or movement of an object attracts lizards the most and why. Next, learners try to catch lizards in nature and observe the lizards' territorial behavior when they are placed near each other.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1 thin pole (stick, bamboo pole, or fishing rod one to two meters long)
  • 1 half-meter length of fine wire (#36 to #50) or light fishing line (2 to 4 lb. test monofilament)
  • ! Leapin' Lizards Junk Box containing:
  • pieces of yarn, cloth, colored paper, foil, and other lure materials
  • 2 pairs of scissors
  • 1 magnifying lens (optional)
  • 1 copy of the "Leapin' Lizards" Equipment Card
  • Optional: 1 set of tempera paints (3 or 4 different colors) in baby food jars or other small containers
  • Optional: several small watercolor paint brushes
  • Optional: 1 cup of water for washing brushes

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1980