In the story, the author briefly tells what the camel’s hump is used for. A fun way for students to learn more about camels and their humps is to have them create a storyboard web using facts they know, or have researched. Students can work individually or in pairs to compile a list of facts about the camel. Set a targeted fact for the students to research (for example, solely about the camel’s hump and its purpose), or have students choose and create a web with any facts they find.
In this activity, students will illustrate their facts using the storyboard art or photos found on Photos For Class.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Start your lesson by asking students what they know about how camels survive in the desert. Encourage curiosity and guide them to think about camel features like humps, eyelashes, and feet. This sets the stage for exploring adaptations in an engaging way.
Ask students to imagine they are stranded in a desert. Challenge them to consider what special traits would help them survive—just like a camel. Relating facts to real scenarios builds deeper understanding and keeps students invested in the topic.
Work together to list each camel adaptation (like storing fat in humps or thick fur). Record on chart paper or digitally so all can see. Visual comparisons help students organize information and remember key facts.
Have each student or pair pick a camel adaptation to research more deeply. Encourage them to find a fun fact or image and share what makes that adaptation special. Presenting builds confidence and reinforces knowledge.
Challenge students to invent an animal with at least two survival adaptations. They can draw or describe it, explaining how each feature helps it live in the desert. This fosters creativity and helps apply what they've learned about camels.
A camel's hump stores fat, not water, which the camel can use for energy and hydration when food and water are scarce. This adaptation helps camels survive in harsh desert environments.
Have students create a storyboard web by writing different facts about camels in description boxes and adding images for each fact. This visual activity encourages research and creativity while learning about camels.
Fun camel facts include: camels can go for weeks without water, their humps store fat, they have long eyelashes to protect against sand, and they can close their nostrils during sandstorms.
Camels have humps to store fat in one place, which helps keep their bodies cooler and makes it easier to move through the hot desert. Storing fat in the hump protects them from overheating.
A spider map is a graphic organizer where students place a central idea (like 'Camels') in the center and branch out with related facts. It's great for organizing and visually displaying information.