Vertebrate and Invertebrate Animals

A Web Quest for Elementary Students 
(First through Fifth Grades)Developed by:
A first grade Dual Language Teacher,
Inday Irene Torres

 

Introduction
Animals are all over the world.  Animals fly through the skys, swim through the seas or walk over the lands. They have made specific adaptations to survive in their habitat.

If you were an animal what would you look like?  If you could create an animal that had special characteristics, what would your animal look like?  Would your animal crawl, fly ,swim, or walk.  You can create some funny looking animals however, you must remember that the characteristics of an animal helps the animal to survive in its own habitat.

One major animal characteristic is "Vertebrate and Invertebrate", this determines if the animal has a backbone or skeleton.  If the animal does not have a skeletal system the animal has no support of its inner or outer body. The animal often times has a shell or hard covering to protect its inner body.  And the vertebrate animal has an inner skeletal system to support its body and to protect its internal organs.

The table below will help you to find different links to the internet.  If you click on the underlined words on your computer it will link or connect to an internet sight in which you can view different pictures and read about the two types of animals, vertebrates and invertebrates.


Invertebrates


Vertebrates 

Animals which do not have a
backbone or skeleton
Proferia

Cnidaria

Annelids

Arthropods

Mollusca

Echinoderms  


Animals which do have  backbone or skeleton


 		Fish

Amphibians

Reptiles

Birds

Mammals


 
   

Task
You and a team of experienced Zoologists have been selected to use your skills to develop a new species of animal!  Each of you will carefully investigate a different type of animal:  an invertabre, and a vertebrate animal. (Don't try looking at all the different types, there are too many, but look at two you would specifically like to learn about!)  After becoming animal experts, you and your team will put your heads together to create an animal that you think would survive in an environment like ours.

The job ahead of you is an exciting one!  After refreshing your basic animal characteristics, you and your teammates will divide into two groups of two expert roles, research two different animals, and then come back together again to create the new species.  Your team will have the option of drawing an animal on paper or creating a three-dimensional model from materials available in class.   When completed you and your team will present its new species to the class.
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   Vertebrates       
Giraffe











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   Invertebrates




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Procedures
1. Click on an animal picture ( in the table below) to review the different types of animal characteristics.  You and your teammates will review the major characteristics of the 2 types of animals.  Don't forget how important, the skeletal system and habitat are to the survival of the animal.  After reviewing this information, make your own animal come to life. 
   
 
2. Divide into partner pairs and choose a type of animal. (Vertebrate and Invertebrate)
The table below will help you to narrow down the search you will make.  There are many vertebrate and invertabre animals on our planet and you could search for hours.  The table will allow you to work on only a few of the animals in our environment.



 Invertebrates







Vertebrates






 


 
3. As you become experts, make sure to share information and use the following questions to guide you:

1.  What are the physical features of your animal?  (What does 
     your animal look like?)
2.  Does your animal have unique parts?
3.  Where does your animal live?  (Does it live near you?)
4.  What special adaptations has your animal made to survive?
5.  How is each animal different?  How is each animal the same?

Zoologists document every finding they make.  In other words, don't forget to take notes on all the important information you find out.  Make sure to answer all the questions on the animal that you have chosen. 
 

 

 
4. After you and your teammates have become experts in your field, pick one special characteristic from each animal, and combine them into a brand new animal.  You can have fun at the switcheroo zoo.  (It may take a few moments to load the program but this  is really cool!)Each of you is responsible for drawing or attaching your own part.  All four of you need to agree on a name for the new animal.
  • Make a picture, use the construction paper, pencils, markers, and crayons provided by your teacher.
  • Or make a three-dimensional model of your new animal, use clay, pipe cleaners, and any other materials available in your classroom.

 
 
5. As you build your new animal, keep in mind the following questions, and make sure to write down your answers.  Each member will be responsible for explaining at least one idea to the class in the final presentation.

1.  Why did you choose the animal characteristic that you did?
2.  How will this characteristic make your new animal a better
    animal?
3.  Where will your new animal live?
4.  What are the adaptations it has to live where it does?
5.  Can people make this animal a pet?

 


6. Show time!  Put the finishing details on your new discovery!  Make sure the name of the animal is visible and that each animal part is clearly labeled.  Then impress us with your findings in the form of an oral presentation.  Your new discovery should be introduced to the class, and then each member should present answers to the above questions.  Remember that you are a team!  Teams divide work up equally and support each other always.

Resources

Now enjoy yourselves and expand your  knowledge even more!  Feel free to explore the following pages on the internet.

http://netvet.wustl.edu/ssi.htm

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/atoz/atoz.html

http://www.pbs.org/kratts/

http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/Science/AnimalHomes/AnimalHomes.htm

http://yucky.kids.discovery.com/

http://www.exzooberance.com/

http://dir.yahoo.com/Science/biology/zoology/animals__insects__and_pets/

 

Evaluation

The following rubric shows you how you and your teammates will be evaluated.  Use it to help you complete your task to the best of your ability!
 
 
Fair
Good
Very Good 
Excellent
Knowledge of  animal characteristics and the 2 types of animals studied.   (Teacher should witness this).
1
2
3
4
Quality of research:  Notes answer all questions.
1
2
3
4
Quality of poster/model.  Each student participates and completes the project neatly and with care.
1
2
3
4
Presentation:  Each student participates and  presents his/her topic with knowledge.
1
2
3
4
Presentation:
Students speak to the audience clearly and loudly.
1
2
3
4
Uses time wisely
1
2
3
4

Conclusion

Experts in their field constantly think and re-think what they have learned.  Think about the following questions.  Share your ideas with your zoologist teammates.  Then share your ideas with your teacher, a friend, your class, or your family.

1.    What was your favorite part of this activity?
2.    What is one thing that you learned that you did not know before?
3.    How can you use what you learned from this animal activity in the
       future?

Teacher's Notes

This activity is intended for a collaborative group of 4 members, working in pairs first and second language learners.  It has been designed so that each member of the group is responsible for his or her own part of the activity.  However, it is expected that all four share ideas, information, and notes through extensive verbal communication.  In other words, a lot of student support should be visible when the activity is observed by the teacher.  Considering that some students might need assistance reading this web quest and making links to other web sites, it is suggested that an adult be on hand to help if needed.  Enjoy!