Week 2: Critter Classification

Hello students and parents!

Welcome to our second weekly assignment. This full activity is geared for 3rd-6th grades, though there are many younger children who will enjoy it as well with some guided support.

Kindergarden-2nd grade version: The specific classification for the younger children is less important than them being able to observe that there are differences between critters. Have them collect and draw the critters in their journals, but simply ask them to count the body parts (as best they can) and talk about how different animals have different types of bodies. If your young child is eager to move on to the next level of learning then go right ahead...

There will also be an extension activity intended for the upper grades, but available to any family who would like to do it. If you or your child is particularly interested in critters, then this is a great starter activity for some deeper diving. Email me for suggestions.

(Side note: please do your best to complete these assignments but DO. NOT. STRESS. If you do not have the  materials, then you are not being asked to go out and purchase/locate them..do your best to improvise. The intention with these assignments is to keep you engaged with nature and have some time off the screens. Have fun and let me know how it goes! If you have any questions, please reach out.)

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IMPORTANT TO KNOW!

We use taxonomy to organize and classify living things. This is a chart that shows the scientific classification of species!

If you want to learn more about taxonomy, this is a fantastic web resource: Tree of Life

We are going to be exploring the "bug" world today by finding four different arthropods, and learn how to classify them based on their body characteristics. Yeah!

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Materials Needed:

• Small clear containers (plastic or glass)
  
• Magnifier (optional)
• Pencil, coloring pencils/crayons
• Your Nature Journals!
• Some outdoor space
• Critters!

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We are going to collect 4 types of Arthropods: Crustacea, Myriapoda, Arachnida and Hexapoda. You will then be drawing them and labeling their body parts to identify their characteristics that qualify them for the type of arthropod you selected.

Below is a diagram to help you identify and collect your 4 arthropods:

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1) Take your plastic containers and go critter hunting! You may want more than one container so that you don't release your critters as you try to capture another.

Be sure to find at least one from each category but feel free to find as many as you would like!

Try not to collect anything that can hurt you (like a wasp) and ask an adult if you are not sure if something is harmful. MOST critters are not!

Finally, be respectful of the life you are studying and DO NO HARM. When we are done, we will release the critters back out into their habitats.

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2) Now we're going to create our critters page in our nature journal. (see my example)

• Divide your journal page into 4 sections, one for each critter.
• Label each section with the sub-phylum category that your critter falls into (at least one each for myriapoda, crustacea, arachnida, and hexapoda).
• Label and draw a line where you will note the body characteristics of your critter.
• At the bottom of your section, write in the common name with a line to fill in.
  

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3) Draw your critter in the appropriate box making sure your drawing is realistic and shows the body parts you are using to identify the type of arthropod (body parts, number of legs, number of antennae, etc.)

Use colors and lots of detail!

If, as you complete this section, you realize you are missing one category, then go back out and continue your search!

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4) Once you have completed your journal entries you have completed this section of the assignment. If you do not do the next activity you may release your critters. THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE in your containers unless you create a habitat for them...which is an activity for another day :).

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Seek by iNaturalist

1) Seek is a wonderful and free plant and animal identification app created by iNaturalist. It is loaded with in-app challenges and information that is family-friendly.

If you are able to download the app to your phone or iPad, or an adult's in your home, and then create an account, please do so!

If you are unable to download the app at this time it is OK. You can still enjoy critter searching without Seek :).

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2) Once you've downloaded Seek and created your account, Seek away! First, seek the critters you captured and studied, and then choose a challenge to complete this week. Have fun exploring and learning about the natural world around you!

ALSO, I know that we are somewhat limited in access to nature that we are able to explore right now. It's ok! A walk around your block or a little explore in your front yard may reveal more critters than you realized were right beneath your nose! :)