Textures in Nature: Part 2

In Part 1 of this lesson series, we explored what it means to have texture and how we can describe our observations, but how does our sense of touch actually work?
As examples: How do you know that a butterfly has landed on top of your head if you cannot see it? How do animals navigate in the dark? Why are some plants and animals covered in scary spikes? All of these questions may seem disjointed, but they all relate! In this 3-part series about textures in nature, we explore the physical sensations associated with natural surfaces within the scope of language, anatomy, and art. In this lesson, we will delve into the concept of textures in nature through the scope of biology, animal behavior, and anatomy, and determine how these topics are connected to how organisms function in their environment.

This lesson plan is comprised of several parts, listed here:

The Nervous System

• Activity: The Pencil Test

Animals and Touch

• Activity: Racoon Race

Textures of Animals and Plants

• Tree bark, plant leaves, animal textures
• Activity: Scavenger Hunt worksheets
• Activity: Nature Rubbings

Now You (Don't) See Me

• Activity: Hidden in Plain Sight
• Activity: But Where's the Butterfly?

Extensions

• Sample Learning Standards

Download the full lesson plan PDF here.

This resource was created by Abigail Schmid, Von Scully, and Kate Reilly.