Learning Intention: Students will be able to differentiate between vertebrates and invertebrates and identify examples of each.

Lesson 6: Skeleton - Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Introduction: - Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what vertebrates and invertebrates are. - Show pictures of different animals and ask students to classify them as vertebrates or invertebrates. - Discuss their answers as a class and explain that vertebrates are animals with a backbone, while invertebrates are animals without a backbone.

Body:

1. Characteristics of Vertebrates: - Explain that vertebrates have a backbone made up of individual bones called vertebrae. - Discuss the different groups of vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. - Provide examples of each group and discuss their characteristics. - Show pictures or videos of different vertebrates and ask students to identify their group.

2. Characteristics of Invertebrates: - Explain that invertebrates do not have a backbone and their bodies are supported by other structures. - Discuss the different groups of invertebrates: insects, arachnids, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. - Provide examples of each group and discuss their characteristics. - Show pictures or videos of different invertebrates and ask students to identify their group.

3. Comparing Vertebrates and Invertebrates: - Create a Venn diagram on the board or provide a handout with two overlapping circles labeled “vertebrates” and “invertebrates.” - Ask students to brainstorm and list characteristics of each group in the appropriate circle. - Discuss the similarities and differences between vertebrates and invertebrates as a class. - Encourage students to think about the different habitats, body structures, and adaptations of each group.

4. Group Activity: Sorting Animals: - Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a set of animal picture cards. - Instruct students to sort the animals into two categories: vertebrates and invertebrates. - Encourage students to discuss their choices and justify their reasoning. - After sorting, have each group present their categories and explain their thought process.

Conclusion:

• Recap the main points of the lesson: vertebrates have a backbone, while invertebrates do not.
• Review the different groups of vertebrates and invertebrates and provide examples of each.
• Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how they can apply this knowledge in the real world.
• Assign a follow-up activity, such as a worksheet or research project, to reinforce the concepts learned in the lesson.