Australia is famous for its unique and diverse vertebrate animals. Scientists group animals into classes according to their features. One of the main characteristics that is used to distinguish one class of animals from another is the type of skin covering. Mammals have hair or fur, birds have feathers, reptiles have dry scales, amphibians have soft, moist skin, and fish have wet, slimy scales. This program focuses on the features of various Australian vertebrates and how their coverings and other adaptations help them to survive.

No prior knowledge is required.

This can be a pre-visit, post-visit or a stand-alone activity.

How does an animals outer covering help them to survive in their environment?

In this program students will:

• Distinguish between the different Australian vertebrate groups based on coverings
• Compare and contrast features between the various Australian vertebrates
• Understand the meaning of the terms ‘vertebrate’ and ‘camouflage’, and look at examples

Students will:

• Use magnifying glasses to observe the coverings of various native animals
• Identify structural adaptations
• Compare the similarities and differences between coverings
• Predict the habitat based on the features observed and discuss how it can survive in this habitat

Science – Science understanding

• Plants and animals have observable features that can be used to group them in different ways (VC2S2U01)
• Plants and animals have external features that perform different functions to enable their survival; in plants these features include roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruit, bulbs, trunks and branches while different features in animals enable them to move, breathe, eat and respond to their environment (VC2S2U03)

Science – Science inquiry

• Observations are made using the senses and recorded, including informal measurements, using digital tools as appropriate (VC2S2I03)
• Observations, findings and ideas can be shared with others by using everyday and some scientific vocabulary (VC2S2I06)

Literacy – Interacting with others

• Interact in informal and structured situations, using appropriate voice levels and listening while others read or speak (VC2EFLY01)
• Use interaction skills including turn-taking, speaking clearly, using active listening behaviours and responding to the read or spoken contributions of others, and contributing ideas and questions (VC2E1LY01)
• Use interaction skills when engaging with topics and texts, actively listening to others, receiving instructions and extending their own ideas, speaking appropriately, expressing and responding to opinions, making statements, and giving instructions (VC2E2LY01)