This week is our full day camp called Incredible Creature Features! Campers will learn about all types of animals and how they survive in their different environments. Today we learned about how some animals camouflage themselves in order to keep themselves safe from becoming a predator’s prey. Most animals that rely on camouflage to hide from predators or sneak up on prey are also very stealthy.  That is, when they perceive that something might be looking for them, they remain very still and quiet. That’s because most animals have a hard time picking out something that is the same color as the environment it’s hiding in, but most animals are very good at seeing movement.

Can you spot the camouflage creature in this picture?

Be on the look out in your backyard for some camouflage creatures…you never know when you will spot one!

It is Crazy for Critters half -day camp this week at ACM and our campers are learning oodles about amphibians, reptiles, mammals and insects. Did you know that amphibians and reptiles are not the same? Our campers have learned that there are several differences.

Such as…

Reptiles include alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes. Amphibians include salamanders, toads, and frogs.

One difference between the two is the structure of their outer skin. Reptiles are covered with scales, shields, or plates, and their toes have claws. Amphibians, on the other hand, have moist, glandular skins, and their toes lack claws.

The eggs of reptiles have a thick, hard shell that protects the developing embryo from moisture loss, even on dry land. Where the eggs of amphibians lack a hard outer covering and, thus, must be laid in water or in damp places.

Check out these “turtles” our campers created today!

Girls Explore Science full day camp is this week at ACM! Why just girls? Because here at the Museum, we want to break the commonly held stereotypes that many Americans hold about scientists.  For example, many young students will describe scientists as men instead of women when asked what they imagine a scientist to look like (as well as white hair that stands straight up!).  We want young girls to know that ANYONE can be a scientist no matter what makes them seem “different” from the masses.

One of the most important things our campers learn is the scientific process of problem solving.  This process allows our campers to take on challenges each day and come up with creative solutions. Below is a helpful illustration…

Women scientists use the scientific process every day to solve the worlds challenges. Take a look below at some famous female scientists and what they have contributed throughout history!

Anita Roberts: She was a molecular biologist who was instrumental in the discovery of the protein TGF-beta. This protein has the potential of playing a dual role of blocking as well as stimulating cancer and it helps in the healing of wounds and fractures. Anita Roberts is one of the most-cited scientists in the world.

Annie Easley: She is an African American computer scientist who worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Lewis Research Center. She was a part of the team that developed the software for the Centaur rocket stage.

Jane Goodall: She is an anthropologist who is well known for her study of the chimpanzees. She spent long years in studying the social and family interactions between chimpanzees and went on to found the Jane Goodall Institute.

And remember, ANYONE can be a scientist, EVEN YOU!

Today in our Inventioneers half-day camp, we learned about building bridges and towers. Did you know that engineers use the triangle shape to build bridges and towers because it is one of the strongest shapes architecturally? Our campers had several challenges today involving building strong structures. Here are some pictures of the ” tower” challenge. Campers had to build their own tower or strong structure using marshmallows and toothpicks. The real challenge for some kids was not eating all of their marshmallows!

What other materials could you use to build a tower?