What is a mammal? Do amphibians lay eggs? Uncover clues and learn about the five classes of animals: mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects. Explore habitats, survival skills, life cycles and food chains. 

Major Concepts To Be Explored:

• What are the different categories of animals?
• What does it mean to be a mammal? Reptile? Amphibian? Bird? Fish? Insect? Spider?
• What is a food chain?
• What is a life cycle? What are some examples of animal life cycles?
• What is a habitat, and how are habitats different from each other?

Essential Standards: 

K.L.1.1, K.L.1.2, 1.L.1.1, 1.L.2.2, 2.L.1.1, 2.L.1.2

Goals of the Workshop:

• To introduce students to the six classes of animals, and present characteristics of each class.
• To show how the characteristics and adaptations of animals allow them to survive in their particular habitat.

21st Century Skills:

Participants will be able to:

• Communicate by sharing thoughts, questions, ideas, and solutions
• Collaborate by working together to reach a goal – putting talent, expertise, and smarts to work
• Think critically by looking at problems in a new way and linking learning across subjects and disciplines
• Create, innovate, and invent by trying new approaches when presented with a challenge

Methods and Activities:

• Students will learn about the different categories of animals.
• Students will participate in hands-on activities that will allow them to understand animal adaptations, animal needs, habitats, and classification.
• Students will be able to view and touch both preserved and live specimens.

Key Vocabulary:

Mammal, Reptile, Amphibian, Bird, Fish, Insect, Spider, Invertebrate, Vertebrate, Habitat, Adaptation

Set-up Needs:

• Teaching/presentation space must be accessible via wheeled cart.
• Preference is in a large room with tables for students to work in small groups (approx. 2-4 students/group).
• Approximate set-up time is 30 min.
• Approximate clean-up time is 30 min.
• Secure storage location for materials if left overnight.