Craft a Color Changing Chameleon

Jul 29, 2019

00:00

Turn a couple of paper plates and some paint into a great visualization of how chameleons change colors to match their settings.

While You Play

Chameleons have an amazing ability to camouflage, or change their skin color in order to blend into their surroundings. They also can change color when their moods change, or when there are temperature or light changes. While you craft, talk about the traits of this incredible creature.

Why do you think chameleons change colors? How might it help them survive? Explain that chameleons use this feature to hide from predators and to sneak up on prey more easily. Can you think of other animals that blend in with their environment? How could you blend into your surroundings?

What You'll Need

Directions

Paint a paper plate with multiple colors. Use as many colors as you want, leaving no white spots on the front of the plate. Encourage your child to mix colors, too. Use a cup of warm water to clean the brush in between colors.

Print out the chameleon template and trace it onto your second paper plate. Cut out the shape of the chameleon.

Once the colored paper plate is dry, place it underneath the plate with the cut out chameleon shape. Poke the brass fastener through the center of both plates and fasten it in back, attaching the two plates together.