Crazy Animal Adaptations: Nature’s Wackiest Survival Tricks! Summer Camp
In this fun science camp, learners explore the wildest animal adaptations—from camouflage to slime to super strength—through games, videos, and creative activities. Great for curious kids who love animals, nature, and hands-on learning.
Christin Martin, M.S. - Certified Educator
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(9)
Star Educator
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
includedClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Get ready to dive into the wildest science camp of the summer—where slime, spikes, super-speed, and sneaky disguises rule the animal kingdom! In Crazy Animal Adaptations, learners will explore nature’s most bizarre and brilliant survival strategies. From the blood-squirting horned lizard to the superhero-strength of the dung beetle, every day brings jaw-dropping discoveries. Each day of camp focuses on a new, weird, and wonderful theme: 🦑 Camouflage & Mimicry – Masters of disguise 🦎 Gross but Genius – Weird ways to stay alive 🐆 Superpowers – Speed, strength, and senses 🐀 Strange Homes – Wild habitats around the world 🏆 Adaptation Showdown – Which animal reigns supreme? Our class time is fast-paced, fun, and full of interaction. We'll use colorful slides, awesome video clips, and hands-on discussions to spark curiosity. Learners will test their knowledge with games like Blooket and Kahoot, design their own camouflaged creatures and animal superheroes, and debate which adaptation is the best in our final tournament! I bring lots of energy and excitement to every class, and I love encouraging learners to think deeply, ask wild questions, and share their ideas. Whether your learner loves animals, science, or just a good slime story, this camp is the perfect mix of fun and facts! By the end of the week, they’ll walk away with new science knowledge, creative confidence, and a wild appreciation for the amazing (and sometimes icky!) ways animals survive.
Learning Goals
Learners will be able to identify and explain how specific animal adaptations help creatures survive in their environments.Learners will compare and evaluate a variety of animal survival strategies through interactive discussion and games.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)5 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Masters of Disguise
Discover animals like the mimic octopus and leaf-tailed gecko that use camouflage and mimicry to stay safe in the wild. Students will explore how these animals hide in plain sight and create their own camo creature! 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Gross but Genius
Learn about the weirdest defense strategies in nature—like blood-squirting lizards and slime-producing hagfish. Students will rank adaptations and play “Would YOU Survive?” to test their own survival smarts. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Superpowers in Nature
Explore animals with super strength, speed, or senses—like mantis shrimp, cheetahs, and dung beetles. Learners will design a superhero based on real animal powers and share their unique creations. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Homes in Strange Places
From mole rats underground to archerfish in mangroves, today is all about wild habitats. Kids will explore how environment shapes adaptation and create a model or drawing of an unusual animal home. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class explores some of nature’s wildest survival strategies, which may include animals that ooze slime, squirt blood, or use other "gross but genius" adaptations. While all content is age-appropriate and presented in a fun, scientific way, some learners who are sensitive to icky or unusual animal behaviors may want parental support nearby during these discussions. No graphic images or videos will be used.
Supply List
To fully participate in our activities, please have the following items ready each day: Paper or a notebook for drawing and taking notes Colored pencils, markers, or crayons for creative projects Scissors and glue stick (for optional craft-based activities) Pencil or pen Printed worksheets or templates (provided by the teacher in advance) Curiosity and creativity!
Sources
Books:
Bishop, N. (2010). Frogs. Scholastic Nonfiction.
Jenkins, S. (2016). What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? HMH Books for Young Readers.
Martin, R., & Berkowitz, J. (2015). Animal Grossology. Price Stern Sloan.
Carson, M. (2012). Weird and Wacky Animals. National Geographic Kids.
Websites:
National Geographic Kids – Animal facts, images, and short articles
San Diego Zoo Kids – Videos and fun facts about animal behavior and adaptations
BBC Earth Kids – Short videos and articles about wildlife and natural science
Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute – Detailed animal profiles and conservation information
Multimedia:
Wild Kratts (PBS Kids) – Short video clips on unique animal powers
BBC Earth Kids YouTube Channel – Engaging animal adaptation clips curated for younger viewers
SciShow Kids (YouTube) – Short, informative science videos including animal adaptation topics
Joined August, 2022
5.0
9reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Florida Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Central Florida
I am a certified teacher in the state of Florida with 19 years of experience working with learners across a wide range of ages and abilities. I hold five master’s degrees in education-related fields and am currently earning my doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. My teaching style is energetic, student-centered, and grounded in both research-based best practices and a deep love of learning. I’m passionate about making complex topics fun, accessible, and engaging for all students.Reviews
Live Group Class
$80
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
2-9 learners per class
