Vert and Non
Vert and Non
Vert and Non
Use this lesson to teach your students about the different types of species and how to categorize them! Your
students will learn characteristics about vertebrates and invertebrates.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to identify and define a vertebrate and an invertebrate. Students will be able to classify
animals as a vertebrate or an invertebrate.
Attachments
Introduction (5 minutes)
Tell your students that they will be learning about vertebrates and invertebrates.
Tell your students that a vertebrate has a backbone while an invertebrate does not.
Ask your students if they are vertebrates or invertebrates.
Tell your students to draw two columns and label them vertebrates and invertebrates. Tell them to write
the different types for each kind in their columns as you explain them.
Tell your students that there are five main types of vertebrates: mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and
amphibians. Write these on the board.
Give your students examples of each type, such as humans, crocodiles, goldfish, parrots, and frogs.
Tell your students that there are five main types of invertebrates: protozoa, echinoderms, annelids,
mollusks, and arthropods. Write these on the board and ask your students to write them in the second
column.
Offer examples of each, such as algae and bacteria, starfish, earthworms, octopi, and spiders.
Tell your students to write the example that you give next to each kind in their columns as well.
Ask your students to complete the Identify Invertebrates and Vertebrates worksheet with a partner.
Differentiation
Enrichment: Ask your students to pick an invertebrate. Have them go to the library and find a book on
that invertebrate. Ask your students to find and write five facts about that particular invertebrate. Tell
them to draw a picture of the invertebrate as well.
Support: Have your students come to the back of the class. Give them each ten index cards. Tell them
to write the five kinds of vertebrates on five of the cards. They should use one card per kind. Show them
a picture of each kind on the computer. Ask them to draw the picture on their card. Repeat this for
invertebrates.
Conduct a short quiz on vertebrates and invertebrates. Potential questions include: Which type of animal
has a backbone? Which type of animal does not have a backbone? Name any two types of vertebrates.
Name any two types of invertebrates.
Choose five animals from the list below. Write the animal’s name, whether
it is a vertebrate or invertebrate, and two important traits in the spreadsheet.
An example has been provided for you.