Who doesn't love a day at the zoo? Use an observation and inference lab to get young anatomists to recognize similarities between mammalian species based on brain structures. You provide the brains; this lesson provides set-up instructions, reference materials, and additional links.

Concepts

the brain, making inferences, mammals, anatomy, animal anatomy, animal adaptations, the cortex, the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• The required brain specimens are from various mammals; consider having brains from other types of animals available for observation as an extension to the task

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a variety of brain specimens
• Schedule time in the computer lab following the in-class observations to complete the self-quiz
• Pull together materials in advance to prepare stations
• Prior knowledge of brain structures and functions is necessary for success in making reasonable inferences, which may limit the audience for the activity

Pros

• Detailed observation is encouraged throughout
• Strengthens inference skills in a focused manner
• It comes with an answer key for the worksheet

Cons

• None