Introduction to Zoology – Start Here

OBJECTIVES:

To help the children sort and classify. To show the children the difference between plants and animals. To show children the relevance of classification.

AGE:

3 - 6 years approx.

MATERIALS:

A set of pictures of plants (flower, tree, cactus etc.) And animals (cat, dog, human etc.) These should be mounted on white card. The card should measure about 14cm x 10 cm. Each card should be laminated.

PRESENTATION:

1. This is an individual exercise.
2. Place the heading cards at the top of the table or floor mat.
3. Discuss the fact that both plants and animals are living things: they eat, move, reproduce, breathe and grow.
4. Discuss the fact that plants breathe carbon dioxide and animals breath oxygen
5. Show the child one picture at a time, and ask the child if they think the picture is of a plant or an animal.
6. Show the child how to place the card in the appropriate column.
7. Once the child has sorted the cards, show the child how to check the control of error at the back to see that the categories all match.

CONTROL OF ERROR:

A dot or appropriate colour coding at the back of each card.

EXTENSION:

The child can make his own chart of plants and animals by cutting pictures out of a magazine. The child pastes them onto their appropriate columns Alternatively, the child can draw pictures of plants and animals.