WILDLIFE CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION
Grade Levels: VPK-K
Time: 30 Minutes
Goal: Provide a
hands-on comparison
between different
animal coverings.
Objectives:
° Students will name
the different ways that
animals feel.
° Students will state
reasons why some
animals feel the way
they do.
° Students will
recognize and explain
how animal coatings
help them survive.
PLANNING YOUR
RESERVATION
°Fall and spring fill quickly
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY
°Groups must register
2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE
°Programs require a
MINIMUM OF 15 PEOPLE
°Programs are available
ON AND OFF-SITE
°Visit our website for
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
°Proper adult supervision
REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES
Crazy Critter Coats
What would life be like with skin covered in big, thick scales or even slime? Discover
the crazy world of animal coverings, coats, and skins and how they help with
camouflage or defense.
Curriculum Alignment:
I.B.2; III.B.1; III.B.2; III.C.1; III.D.3; IV.A.A; IV.B.1; IV.C.1; IV.C.2; IV.D.1; IV.D.2; IV.E.1;
IV.E.2; IV.E.3; VI.C.c.1; VI.C.d.2; SC.K.P.8.1; SC.K.L.14.1; SC.K.L.14.2; SC.K.L.14.3; ESS3.C;
LS1.A; LS1.B; LS3.B
Where education and conservation collide!
This program, presented by Brevard Zoo Education staff, is an
enhanced experience of the distinct and unique wildlife
habitats found at Brevard Zoo. Students delve into the concept
through fun, interactive activities, questions and participatory
responses, hands-on animal encounters, and animal meet and
greets. Programs are designed to supplement in-class learning.
Depth and structure vary depending on grade and age range.
Keywords:
Camouflage,
Characteristics,
Environment,
Feather, Fur,
Habitat, Scale,
Shell, Skin
What are animals covered in?
Biodiversity is seldom more
apparent than when one
observes the variety of
animal coverings. From the
exoskeleton of a beetle or
crayfish, to the soft downy
fur of a chinchilla, each
exterior is an adaptation
designed to promote the
survival of that animal. Fur,
scales, shells, feathers, and
plain skin can be observed
on familiar animals, with a
wide range of modifications
specific to each animal’s
environment.
Some animals utilize
camouflage, blending into
their surroundings with
color and texture. A prime
example of this would be the
bearded dragon. Bearded
dragons come from arid to
scrub areas of Central
Australia. Their rough
texture and
gray/brown/tan coloration
make it difficult for
predators to see them.
Others stay warm or cool
because of their exterior.
The chinchilla grows
several hairs instead of one
from every hair follicle.
This makes their fur
exceptionally warm and
soft, ideal for the Andes
Mountain area they come
from. The Sudan plated
lizard, on the other hand,
regulates his temperature
using “racing stripe” style
scales along his sides.
These help to keep him cool
in the heat of the African
desert.
with a covering that is hard
enough to thwart a
predator, or that gives off a
noxious odor, taste, or sting.
Even among animals with
the same type of covering, a
subtle variation may exist
which helps that animal
survive. Consider the
feathers of the barn owl.
Each one is fringed, so that
when the owl flies through
the air in search of prey,
there is no sound.
Observation of differences
in animal coverings
provides a sensory
introduction to identifying
the many and varied
adaptations animals exhibit.
Still others are protected
For more information or to book a program email [email protected] or call 321.254.9453 X219