Vertebrates for Junior and Middle School
Classification
Scientists are experts at classifying (grouping). They have recognised five distinct groups of animals on earth that have vertebrae (backbones). These
animals known as vertebrates are the smartest group of animals on Earth. They are MAMMALS, BIRDS, FISH, REPTILES and AMPHIBIANS
Can you work out the characteristics (special features) of each vertebrate by playing the Animal Classification Game in the Kids Corner at this site
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games_trivia_animal.htm
Slide show of vertebrates http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/1519-Vertebrates
Vertebrates - using pasta
Activity –
Hands on activity to explore the skeletal structures of the five vertebrate groups
Introduce students to the five groups of vertebrate skeletons on the following pages and allow them to select the type of animal they would like to create.
Have them use the templates as a guide for them to create similar or their own animal structures.
Fish Skeleton