When you hear the word "class" you probably think of school. Did you know that animals have classes too? An animal class is a way of putting animals into groups based on similarities. There are six main animal classes we'll talk about today: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods.
Ms. Mernick will show part of a short video that introduces these six classes. Then, we can read more about them at KidZone Science: Animal Classes. If we have time, we'll work together to organize the facts we find about different animal classes using a "mind map."
Animal Research
Once you have a better idea of the different classes of animals, you'll be all set to pick and animal to start researching! Here is a list of good websites to try. If you need help, just raise your hand. Depending on your animal, Ms. Mernick also might be able to help you find a book to use.
National Geographic Kids
Check the list for your animal. Can't find it? Try searching the National Geographic Animals site - it's a little harder to read, so let Ms. Mernick or Mrs. Lee know if you need help.
San Diego Zoo animals site
Look for animals by type, or search the full list.
Britannica Online Animal Kingdom
This is an online encyclopedia for elementary school kids. To find your animal, scroll down to the alphabetical list under Explore Animals A-Z. You also could type your animal's name in the search box at the top.
Kids Planet
Look for your animal on the list of fact sheets. They are organized by continent, so you might find your animal in more than one place.
Zoo Books
Search for your animal by the first letter of its name.
Animal Planet
Find your animal on the A to Z lists by animal type, or use the search box at the top.
Science Kids
The animal facts page of the Science Kids website has kid-friendly information on a whole list of animals.