Classification of animal groups

General

In this lesson, students practice classifying animals by their animal groups: mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, insects, and birds. They’ll be able to correctly identify animals from each group and identify similarities and differences in their characteristics.

Standards

NGSS:
1-LS1-1
2-LS4-1
3-LS2-1

Learning Objective

Students will be able to describe six animal groups and classify animals.

Introduction

To begin, students are shown several animals and they will use a t-chart to drag and sort the animals into two groups: legs or no legs.

Instruction

Explain that there are 6 animal groups, each with specific characteristics. Review each of these animal groups with the class: mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, insects, and birds. After reviewing, ask students if they noticed any similarities or differences between the animal groups. Next, have students fill in the graphic organizer of animal groups with the correct characteristics. For example, “have scales” belongs in the box for both reptiles and fish. After this, students drag the animals to the boxes of animal characteristics (scales, fur, shell/exoskeleton/skin, feathers). Then have students sort the animals into two groups: “lays eggs” and “gives birth to live young.” Finally, students will sort animals by their animal groups.

Quiz

Students respond to ten multiple-choice questions about the different animal groups. They will also look at pictures of different animals and decide to which group they belong.

Closing

Spin the wheel then answer the questions about animal characteristics. For example, students will name two animal groups with a shared characteristic, and explain how insects are different from the other groups.

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