Hidden Pictures

Materials:

Pale Yellow Crayon

Regular White Paper

Red Tissue Paper

Directions:

1) Draw a bird on the white paper with the yellow crayon.

2) Cover the drawing with the red tissue paper. What happens?

3) What is the special word that describes when an animal uses its colors and patterns to blend in with its surroundings?

Explanation: Here’s what happens in the experiment: the yellow bird and the red tissue paper are both reflecting light to your eyes.  The red is not a pure color, but has some yellow in it.  This yellow blends in with the yellow from the bird drawing, and your eyes are not sensitive enough to separate them.

Animals that are coloured similar to their surroundings are often camouflaged, or hidden, from their predators.  The predator’s eyes cannot distinguish the colors well enough to separate its meal from the leaves.

Return to Science and Technology Page

Becky's Guiding Resource Centre Main Menu