Description
The Montessori Zoology Curriculum is based upon the standard animal kingdom classification, developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 1700’s. This system helps the student understand how all living organisms are related to each other and grouped by shared characteristics. The Animal Kingdom Phyla Activity cards, provide an insight into the basic top 9 phyla of animal kingdom.
Before beginning this work, it is suggested that the Child understands the idea of grouping animals into two further categories, vertebrates and invertebrates. This will prepare them for animals that are classified as those of the Chordata category.
The first three primary hierarchical methods of classifying animals
- Domain – the highest level of all organisms with cells, Bacteria, Archaea and Eukaryota
- Kingdom – there are 6 kingdoms animals, plants, Protista, Fungi, Eubacteria (considered ‘true’ bacteria and they differ from Archaea) and Archaeabacteria
- Phylum – the 3rd level of classification. The animal kingdom is split into more than 30 Phyla, but this activity focuses on ‘The Big Nine’ taught in the Montessori curriculum. They are:
- Porifera (sponges),
- Cnidaria (jellyfish),
- Platyhelminthes (flat worms, with one opening only),
- Nematoda (round worms, with two openings),
- Annelida (worms with a cylindrical shape),
- Mollusca (soft bodied animals with a hard shell),
- Arthropoda (animals with jointed legs),
- Echinodermata (star fish),
- Chordata (vertebrates – birds, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals).
Features of the Animal Kingdom Phyla Activity
- the direct objective of this material: to introduce the Child to the concept of animal classification
- indirect objective: for the Child to understand the 9 different Phyla (families) of the animal kingdom and what makes them different from each other
- aligned to the Montessori curriculum
Contents of the Animal Kingdom Phyla Activity
- the booklet acts as an overview of each phylum, with brilliant images and definitions to explain what characteristics form the animals that fall into these 9 categories
- nine images clearly displaying each of the different phylum, and (in a contrasting colour), the distinguishing feature that separates them from each other
- colour coordinated 3-part cards, a set for each phylum, containing a control, a mute and label card is included
- 9 sets of definition cards, 1 card is complete and the 2nd card has a redacted word that the Child must answer on a separate page
- an oblong control mat, illustrated with an image of each of the 9 phylum
- to enable the guide to present the work to the Child in the form of a ‘frieze’, the mat is folded in a ‘concertina’ method, allowing the guide to display one or two images at a time
- we sell the contents in a transparent plastic envelope
Activities for the Animal Kingdom Phyla Activity
- the guide introduces the subject through discussion and referencing the booklet, which provides an overview of the full set of phyla in the animal kingdom, with images and definitions
- once the Child/ren understand the concept of the categorisation of animals into phyla, you can introduce them to the frieze
- the frieze, a long mat, forms the control of error
- unfold the frieze and ask the Child to tell you what they notice
- discuss their answers, and ask them for other animals found in the same phylum
- use the 3-part cards to develop their vocabulary
- once the Child is familiar with the work, you may introduce the set of definition cards, each phylum has 2 cards, one complete and the other with a redacted word that the Child can use to test themselves
Size
- mat – 100 x 17 cm / (40″ x 6.5″)
- envelope – 24 x 17 x 0.5 cm / (9.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″)
Related Products
- The Classes of Chordata Activity
- The Chordata Frieze
- Animal Kingdom Phyla Bundle
- Vertebrate and Invertebrate Sorting Activity
- Vertebrate Sorting Activity
Further Readind Resources
The Classification of Animals – AZ Animals
nina403 (verified owner) –
This activity is really good quality. I couldnt believe that you can wash the mat. It gives a great overview to the children.
rossler.olga (verified owner) –
Great quality. I am happy to have this in the classroom especially since invertebrates are not as well represented as the vertebrates. This allows the children to see the other side as well.
Jane Knox –
This activity brings on so many discussions. very relevant.