Animal Types and Hoosier Connections

by Richard Hunt

 

  

Introduction   -   Essential Questions  

Task   -   Process   -   Conclusion

 

Introduction

Snakes, birds, cats, fish!  You have probably seen many of these animals.  You also know that some of these animals have feathers, some have scales, and others have hair.  But they are all animals!  Animals come in many different shapes and sizes.  Some are called amphibians, and others reptiles.  Some are fish, and still others are mammals.  

 

Essential Questions

How are animals classified and what classifies an animal as one type and not another?

 

What types of animals in each classification live in Indiana?

 

The Task

Your group is will be working to define what classifies an animal as a particular type.  Your teacher will assign your group an animal classification to research from the list below:

  • Fish

  • Amphibians

  • Reptiles

  • Birds

  • Mammals

Your group will be creating a lesson to teach the class.  You will create a power point presentation and a quiz.  You will then present a lesson to the class on your type of animal

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  1. Tell how animals are classified.

  2. Describe the general characteristics of an animal in each classification.

  3. Identify one animal from each classification that is native to Indiana.

The Process

  1. Animal Types Power Point Presentation:

    Your group needs to create a power point presentation for your  classification.  Use your science text book or other library resources to help you complete slides 1 through 3.  For slide 4 use the websites listed.

    CLICK HER FOR AN EXAMPLE PRESENTATION

     

    Presentation Directions:

    Slide Number 1:  Title Slide

     

    You should have the type of animals you are presenting, each group member’s name, and one graphic.

     

    Slide Number 2: Information

     

    You should have one graphic and a list of things that classify your animal as its type.  Have at least five things on your list.

     

    Slide Number 3: Types of Animals

     

    For this slide you should list at least five animals that are found in your classification.  You may add photographs of the animals.

     

    Slide Number 4: Indiana Animal

     

    You should have one picture of your animal and the following information about your Hoosier animal.

     

    Name:

     

    Classification:

     

    Facts: (at least four things that are interesting about this animal – ex. where does it live in Indiana, what does it eat, what type of shelter does it use, what are the males – females – and babies called, what is the animal’s habitat – forest, river…)

    Use the links below to find information on some Hoosier animals.  Select one from your classification to share with the class

Mammals, Birds, and Fish:

 

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/publications/lifeseries/life.htm

 

Amphibians:

 

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/endangered/frogs.htm

 

Reptiles:

 

http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/index.htm?http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/INspecies.htm&2

 

 

 

 

  1. Now create a five question quiz for your presentation.  The quiz should only be over information you have shared in your presentation.  Example questions are:

1.  Which of the following is not a characteristic of a reptile?

a. has scales

b. has a tail

c. is warm blooded

2.  Which is not a mammal?

a. rabbit

b. snake

c. moose

 

Conclusion

 

Your group will now present your presentation to the class.  Each person must present a portion of the lesson.  One way to do this is assign a different person to present each slide.

 

Make sure you practice what you will say as a group.  Help each other by watching for the following:

  • Speaks loudly and clearly.

  • Shares all important information.

Your group will then administer your quiz.  Collect the quiz and grade it.  If you have done a good job, most of the class will have easily passed the quiz.  Be ready to discuss how you feel your group did as teachers.