The rock pocket mouse exists either with light colored or dark colored fur. As their habitat changes from sandy desert to lava flows the prominence of each color fur also changes. Viewers compare the visibility of each mouse's fur color on the different backgrounds to complete the activity.

Concepts

predator-prey relationships, adaptations, camouflage, evolution, natural selection

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss the changing landscapes due to climate change as it relates to camouflage

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of camouflage, mice, and owls
• Offers downloads in either MOV or WMV formats

Pros

• Requires very little class time to share
• Provides background information to enhance class discussions

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4