This week as first graders are studying the desert, we are exploring a very interesting reptile – the chameleon! (Chameleons can live in many habitats including the desert, rainforest, lowlands, savannas and even mountains!) As many people know, chameleons can change the color of their skin. Chameleons change color by moving tiny special cells in their skin. These cells have crystals that reflect light. When the chameleon moves the crystals around, the light changes, and their skin looks like a different color. They do this to communicate with other chameleons, warm or cool themselves, blend with their surroundings or attract mates. Check out this video to learn more about how and why chameleons change color!
To put their adaptation skills to the test, first graders got to create their own chameleon. They were challended with selecting a colorful, complex or patterned background somewhere in our classroom for their chameleons to blend into. They had to play close attention to their chameleon’s “surroundings” including color, texture and pattern to help it blend in. Check out some student art below!
