How and Why Chameleons Change Colors
Ross, Shirley Neil School
Objectives:
Given a chameleon, the students will observe the color changes and
explain the possible conditions that cause this reptile to change
colors.
Given a chameleon, the students will discuss the biological factors
that cause color changes.
Given a chameleon, the students will note the amount of time needed in
order for changes in the pigmentary system to become apparent.
Apparatus needed:
4 chameleons
16 pieces of felt (4 pieces of beige, black, green, and yellow)
4 flashlights
4 crickets
4 plastic boxes
4 brown paper bags
Recommended strategy:
Divide the class into four groups. Remove each chameleon from a
paper bag. Note the chameleon's color at this time. The students
will place the chameleons on varying colors of cloth. Note each color
change and time needed for this color change to take place. Next,
each group will shine a flashlight on the chameleon. Again, note the
color change and time needed for this change. Now, place each
chameleon and a cricket in a plastic box. Watch for a color change
and the time. The students should notice that all of these factors
could cause a color change. However, the most influencing factor is
light. Explain to the students that the chameleon's ability to change
color is controlled by hormones. These hormones act on various
pigments in the skin. Special cells called chromatophores in the skin
allow the chameleon to change colors. You might also want to discuss
the meaning of the words "pigments" and "chromatophores".
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