One of the best defense mechanisms an animal or human can possess, is to be able to avoid predators by hiding from or avoiding them. Conversely, this is also an ability they use to hunt for food. Some animals and insects are endowed by this ability. To some, they just have to run and hide whenever they can from predators.
PHOTO CREDIT: PITARA.COM
Enduring Understanding
All creatures are given the ability to survive and live. Some animals are strong to defend themselves from predators. Others have the inherent ability to hide themselves even in plain sight to avoid their enemies.
Essential Questions
- How are some animals able to avoid their predators?
- Does surviving always means fighting back?
- Is avoidance better than confrontation?
STEM Applications
SCIENCE
Animals have unique characteristics based on their features like color, shape, size, behavior, and the way they survive. Whether it is to avoid an enemy or to hunt for food, the ability to hide in plain sight is one way to survive in the wild.
Discuss with the students what animals have the ability to hide in plain sight.
- Use this link http://www.kickvick.com/camouflaged-animals/ to show to students how certain creatures hide in plain sight.
- If humans have the ability to do the same, what advantages will that be for them?
- Revisit the story of the Wolf and the Pig and ask them if they still remember what is meant by “survival of the fittest”.
- Discuss with the students that advantages and disadvantages between “avoidance”, that is, hiding from the predators, or “confrontation”, fighting back. Which one is the most effective in terms of survival?
ENGINEERING
When designing the model, students must understand that the design should allow and provide the animal the ability to hide in plain sight.
MATH
One of the ways an object or an animal is hard to find is that it blends with other objects in the environment. Some animals use patterns found in the environment and disguises themselves as part of the pattern. Patterns are mathematical applications which follow a set of rules and implement those rules in a consistent fashion. Look for animals that use these method of hiding themselves in plain sight.
Vocabulary
Terms to Know. Have students learn the following terms, find the definitions, using them in a sentence, determining the antonym of the terms, and other ways that the students will get to use the words. Real-world application is preferred. Add more words if necessary, according to your own students' needs.
camouflage, instinct, defense mechanism, survival, predator, prey
Values Education
Having special abilities such as hiding in plain sight is a wonderful thing. But like any ability, it can be used to do good things or do something bad about it.
Our special talents, skills, or abilities should be used to do good things. Helping people with their problems, making their lives easier and improved.