The world contains so many animals that no one could possibly count them. No one even know how many kinds of animals there are. Biologists have described over one million different animal species, and there are certainly many more. But each year, hundreds of new kinds of animals are discovered.
    Animals are many celled organisms that must obtain their food by eating other organisms.  Animals are divided into Invertebrate and  Vertebrates Vertebrates (animals having backbones or vertebral column).  The Vertebrates are members of the Phyla Chordata. All species of animals, from the lowly sponge to the deadly cobra to the speeding gazelle are similar in some important ways.  Each kind of animal is different from all other kinds.  Each has its own way of life.  each is especially suited to the place where it lives and the food it eats.

Task

    Your objective is to investigate the 5 major classes of the phylum Chordate (class name is in paraphrases):

Fish (Osteichthyes)

Amphibians (Amphibia)

Reptiles (Reptilia)

Birds (Aves)

Mammals (Mammalia)

You will be working in groups of three (3).  Keep these questions in mind as you explore your sites for information:

•       Where are these animals found?
•     What are the distinguishing physical features of the classes of Chordata?
•     What do the different animals eat?
•     How do the different classes of animals communicate?
•     You will be choosing a particular animal to study, in addition to the five classes.  You must     be able to describe and produce a colored picture of your chosen animal.
•     What is unique about the different classes of Chordata?
•     What are the similarities of the different classes of Chordata?

Process

       1.  Form groups of three.
       2.  Read the objectives, task and process thoroughly before starting.       3.  Conduct an internet search using the resources provided.  Do not go to sites not listed unless you specifically ask and    receive written or oral permission.        4.  During your investigation, the information and discoveries you make will be entered into a data chart.
 

•      What physical features do the animals have.
•     Where do the animals normally live.
•     How the animals obtain food.
•     How the animals reproduce.
•     How the animals move.
•     Any adaptations the animals have made for living in their environment.
•     Any adaptations the animals have made for getting food or escaping predators.

      5.  Use inspiration to show the relationships between the five classes.
      6.  Choose one animal from any of the five classes and do an investigation on that specific animal.
      7.  Make a presentation to the class, either using a written style using Microsoft Word or an oral report using Power point.

 Evaluation
   Your group will be evaluated for (1) the accuracy and completion of the data chart on the five classes Group Collaboration Rubric (2) your Inspiration design for content and design and (3) your presentation  Animal Report Rubric.

    Conclusion

    Fish:

Milwaukee Public Museum
NEA - AIR - Animal information
The Virtual Zoo
Fish FAQ
Yahooligans! - Fish
 Reptiles & Amphibians:

      Philadelphia's Reptile and Amphibians
        The Virtual Zoo - Amphibians
          The Virtual Zoo - Reptiles
       Order Crocodylia
   NyeLabs - Amphibians

    Birds:

MuseumMilwaukee Public
  The Philadelphia Zoo - Birds!
  The Virtual Zoo
    Introduction of the Aves
        Mammals:

       The Philadelphia Zoo - Mammals!
       Class Mammalia

                                                        General information:

                                                       Pictures, videos and sounds: