Special Feature Lesson:

Whose Clothes are Those?

Overview:
Students identify which body coverings are common to six major classes of animals: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Students also draw examples of animals found in each class.

Curriculum Focus:
science
art

Materials:

Critter Clothing printout
drawing utensils
craft materials

Activity:
Make enough copies of the Critter Clothing printout for each child. Review Special Feature. Discuss how closely related animals tend to have the same kinds of coverings. Help students name the major classes of animals: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. (Note: students may also identify spiders and crustaceans, which are valid but are not included in this activity). Pass out copies of the Critter Clothing printout. Review the directions with students. Allow them time to share their drawings as a class.

Extension Idea: Challenge students to create a silly creature. They can begin by creating the shape of an imaginary animal. Then, they can cover the animal's body with as many types of coverings as possible, by gluing on parts of cut-out magazine images, using coloring tools, or even applying different bits of fabric. Have students name their animals and place them on display.