The idea
What do birds have on their bodies? Feathers! What do fish have? Scales! What about lizards and snakes? Scales too — but not the same kind. This lesson starts with a delicious piece of real science: long ago, dinosaurs had scaly skin, and some had feathers — birds today are like tiny dinosaurs. Feathers and reptile scales both come from skin, while fish scales grow from deeper in the body. Different animals, evolving separately, arrived at similar coverings because they solve the same problems: flying, protecting, swimming. Scientists call it convergent evolution — kindergarteners call it magic they can paint.
How it begins
Each child chooses their covering — feathers, reptile scales, or fish scales — and draws its pattern boldly in white or black oil pastel, making the shapes and textures that will define their animal’s armor or plumage.