Animal Coverings

Core Learning Experience

+ Supplies and Equipment

Possible/Expected Discoveries

Extended Learning and Other Curriculum Areas

• Create an exploratory situation where the children are able to observe, compare and discuss various kinds of animal body coverings. Can use photos (see websites below), books, video, and/or real samples of animal coverings with magnifiers.
• Categorize pictures in groups according to outside covering e.g. all with feathers, all with skin etc. Do all the animals in each particular group live in a similar environment?

• Body coverings are important as they keep the animal warm and dry, protect them from physical danger and help them hide from their enemies (camouflage).
• Animals can be classified on the basis of their body coverings. Animals can have body coverings consisting of skin, fur, hair, scales, and feathers.
• How are the body coverings alike? Different? How do the different kinds of coverings help the animal in its habitat or environment? (Polar bears, frogs, fish, birds etc)
•  How does color aid with camouflage?
• How do people adapt to their environments? Do they grow more hair in order to stay warm? Do they change colors to blend in with their surroundings?

• Visit a pet store or a zoo, and make a list of animals categorized in terms of body covering.

• Make cut-and-paste collages with clipart. E.g. “These animals all have feathers”.