A Wide World of Vertebrates

What is an amphibian, and how is it different from a reptile? Designed for grades K-5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the amazing diversity of vertebrate animal life on our planet. The mini-course includes a beautifully illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners.

Activities include a richly illustrated BONES Bingo game in which children learn to identify animal groups by their traits. Children reinforce their understanding of these traits by creating their own vertebrate mobiles (materials included in the mini-course). Children then have fun testing their knowledge of different animal groups in a movement-based vertebrate twister game. Finally, what could be more fun than acting out their favorite animal in Critter Charades?

Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: scissors, string, hanger, hole punch, coloring materials (colored pencils, crayons, or markers), pennies, M&Ms, Cheerios, dry beans, buttons (or similar), glue, paper plate or cardboard, paper clip, five colors of chalk, and a timer.

Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)-including backbone, amphibian, fish, mammal, bird, and reptile.