Curated OER
Where Should We Place Archaeopteryx?
Students classify Archaeopteryx using pictures of actual fossils and scientist representations of how the animal might have looked. They compare Archaeopteryx's characteristics to those of the five extant vertebrate groups to...
Curated OER
Creatures of the Grand Canyon
In this word search puzzle activity, students find and circle all of the wildlife hidden in a word search puzzle. Students also classify the animals into groups of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, or amphibians.
Virginia Department of Education
Animal Phyla and Plant Divisions
Searched hours for an activity that allows individuals the ability to use multiple resources to learn about both plant and animal kingdoms? This discussion and activity provide pupils with the ability to visualize each organism before...
Biology Junction
Introduction to Animals
Out of all animals, elephants alone lack the ability to jump. Scholars learn all about animals using a presentation full of fun examples. It describes different types of animals, the biological similarities and differences between...
Curated OER
Be Brain Smart
Students examine the function of the brain. Using the internet, they research facts of the brains of vertebrates. Using clay, they make three sculptures of brains of different vertebrates and use crayola colors to color it. To end the...
Curated OER
Is It Slimy? Does It Have Fur? Is It Really a Bird?
Sixth graders identify the different types of vertebrate animals based upon their major characteristics, as they create collages in groups. Collages show pictures of vertebrate animals labeled with the appropriate structural...
Curated OER
Making Cladograms
Students construct cladograms (evolutionary trees), showing how shared derived characters can be used to reveal degrees of relationship. They interpret and analyze cladograms, and determine where unclassified vertebrates would fit on a...
Curated OER
Reviving Celery
The classic in-class demonstration using celery dipped into water with food coloring is the highlight of this biology lesson plan. Young scientists discover that organisms are made up cells and have distinguishing characteristics. After...
Curated OER
Hot Hamsters
Using this quick activity, you can have your class review what they have learned about mammals. Learners sit in a circle, and take turns naming a mammal. This activity could be enriched by having learners go to their desks, identify a...
Curated OER
Invertebrates
Students identify the characteristics common to all animals. In groups, they compare the characteristics between the animals and how they are divided. To end the lesson, they compare the eight phyla of invertebrates and review the...
Curated OER
Patterns In Time
Seventh graders examine fossils. In this vertebrate fossils lesson students view a demonstration.
Curated OER
Verterbrate Classification
Young scholars are introduced to the broad categories of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. They identify the characteristics of each group and then view slideshows and video of example species.
Curated OER
NS 6: Monerans, Viruses
Pupils compare the structures and functions of viruses and bacteria relating their impact on other organisms. They review the main vertebrate groups. Students are describing the characteristics of the main group of vertebrates: fishes,...
Curated OER
All About Reptiles
Students examine different kinds and characteristics of reptiles, and demonstrate reading comprehension skills, including reading strategies, inference, literal meaning, and critical analysis.
Curated OER
Animal Classification
Students list characteristics and features of animals found in their community. They then group the animals according to how they are similar and different and create names for each group. They then create a chart of their...
Curated OER
Fishes
In this fish worksheet, students will review the characteristics of fish by comparing the jaws, skeleton, and fertilization of each fish class. Then students will use a phylogenetic tree to compare the groups of fish to ancestral...
Curated OER
Classy
Students explore the classification system in this seven lessons unit. The diversity of life forms and their characteristics are examined using a microscope. Kingdoms, classes, and families are investigated.
Curated OER
Mammal Scavenger Hunt
Students use the internet to answer their questions about mammals. They complete a scavenger hunt worksheet to identify their characteristics. They ask any questions they have at the end of the lesson.
Curated OER
Reptiles
In this reptiles worksheet, students review reptile adaptations, amniotic egg, and the characteristics of the different reptile groups. This worksheet has 8 fill in the blank and 19 matching questions.
Curated OER
Marvelous Mammals- Non-Fiction Reading Comprehension Worksheets
In this mammals non-fiction reading comprehension worksheet, 3rd graders read a one page selection about the characteristics of mammals. They answer 10 questions based on the reading including true and false, short answer, and multiple...
Curated OER
Mammals - Habitat/diversity Learning Cycle Lesson Plan
Ninth graders explore the characteristics and diversity of mammals, including key adaptations.
Curated OER
Coqui Frog Camouflage
Students investigate the concept of the coqui frog of Puerto Rico. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students explain in oral or written form some of the characteristics to that identify the frog. The lesson includes...
Curated OER
BioKeys
Young scholars identify insect (and plant) specimens using the online resource Biokeys. They record the data that they collect in their notebooks. Students use identification characteristics and features that are shared and unique...
Biology Junction
Introduction to Animals Crossword Puzzle
In this introduction to animals instructional activity, students complete a crossword puzzle with 47 questions on the types and characteristics of animals.