TV on a Rolling Cart

Why do zebras have stripes?

From Mystery Doug

Why do zebras have stripes?
5 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Why do zebras have stripes?" -- and follows the clues. The best evidence says stripes confuse biting flies and make it hard for a predator to lock onto one zebra in a moving herd. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Why do zebras have stripes?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about stripes, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: stripes, camouflage, predator.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Why do zebras have stripes?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.

Why do zebras have stripes? — TV on a Rolling Cart