Vertebrates and Invertebrates

OBJECTIVES:

To help the children sort and classify. To show the children the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates. To show children the relevance of classification.

AGE:

3 - 6 years approx.

MATERIALS:

A set of pictures of examples of Vertebrates (human, horse, lizard etc.) And invertebrates (spider, earthworm, jellyfish etc) things 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 vertebrates have a spinal cord and invertebrates do not
4. Show the child one picture at a time, and ask the child if they think the picture is of a vertebrate or invertebrate.
5. Show the child how to place the card in the appropriate column.
6. 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.
7. Now do a presentation on "Parts of the Spine"

CONTROL OF ERROR:

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

EXTENSION:

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