Race for Survival

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During this interactive "survival" game, students learn about the importance of camouflage and how it helps animals to blend into their surroundings, as either predator or prey. Learners participate by collecting "prey" in various different "habitats" as fast as possible and then predicting which habitat acts better as a means of camouflage. This activity continues with a discussion regarding other aspects of animal survival, which can also lead to lessons on food chains or ecosystems.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Game
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Group Data Tables
  • Chart paper and marker
  • Pencils (one per kid)
  • Newspaper (black and white)
  • Patterned wrapping paper (approx. 3' x 4' piece, plus extra)
  • Colored paper (a few sheets of three colors)
  • Cups (two per team, labeled Habitat #1 and #1
  • Masking tape
  • Camouflage examples from books or Internet

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Populations
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Games
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity
  • Sports and Exercise

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • be mobile

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • WGBH

Source Collection

  • Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0714741
  • Public Television Viewers
  • Greendog