VERTEBRATES AND INVERTEBRATES

I. OBJECTIVES:

 Students will be able to describe characteristics of vertebrates.

 Students will be able to describe characteristics of invertebrates.
 Students will be able to identify an animal as a vertebrate or invertebrate.

I. PROCEDURE:

 Tell your students that they will be learning about vertebrates and invertebrates. Tell your
students that a vertebrate has a backbone while an invertebrate does not. Ask your students
if they are vertebrates or invertebrates.

 Tell your students to draw two columns and label them vertebrates and invertebrates. Tell
them to write the different types for each kind in their columns as you explain them.

 Tell your students that there are five main types of vertebrates: mammals, reptiles, fish,
birds, and amphibians. Write these on the board.

 Give your students examples of each type, such as humans, crocodiles, goldfish, parrots, and
frogs. Tell your students that there are five main types of invertebrates: protozoa,
echinoderms, annelids, mollusks, and arthropods. Write these on the board and ask your
students to write them in the second column.

 Offer examples of each, such as algae and bacteria, starfish, earthworms, octopi, and
spiders. Tell your students to write the example that you give next to each kind in their
columns as well.

 Ask your students to complete the Identify Invertebrates and Vertebrates worksheet with a
partner. Go over the worksheet as a class.

 Have your students complete the Animal Classes worksheet.

 Go over the worksheet as a class.