Description

The Kingdom of Animals forms part of the Montessori zoology curriculum.  Chordata sit on the classification pyramid, between the Kingdom (Animalia) and the Phylum (family).  Animals classified as Chordata, all have a backbone (vertebrates).  The Chordata Frieze introduces children to vertebrate animals as an activity.  Phylum (family) classifies the Chordata into five different families, fish, birds (aves), reptiles, amphibians, and mammals (including humans).

Features of The Chordata Frieze

• the direct objective of this material;
  • to introduce the Child to the concept of animal classification
• indirectly the Child;
  • understands the difference between vertebrate, and invertebrate animals
  • receives an introduction to zoology
  • becomes aware of how important the spine is to animals, and that they differ in position for each group of animals
• this support material is aligned to the Montessori zoological curriculum

Contents of The Chordata Frieze

• a control mat, illustrated with an image of each of the 5 phyla – 61 x 17 cm / (24″ x 6.7″)
  • each image clearly displays the skeletal rod (spine or vertebra) in red for each vertebrate family,
  • every vertebra lies in a different shape or position, depending upon the animal
• 5 images and separate labels of each of the phyla, aves (birds), fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals.  The mat is the control card
• the mat is folded in a ‘concertina’ method, allowing the guide to display one or two images at a time
• sold in a transparent plastic envelope – 18 x 12.5 x 0.5 cm / (7″ x 5″ x 2″)

Activities

• ask the Child to feel her/his own backbone and to describe what it feels like
• if they are working in a group, ask the children to find a friend.  They must ask their friend for permission, and trace the shape of their spine
• unfold the frieze and ask the Child to tell you what they notice
• discuss their answers, and ensure that they noticed the backbone
• ask the Child/ren what other animals belong to each group
• once the Child is familiar with the work, you may introduce the set of matching cards and labels
• only after the Child/ren have reached this point will you move onto the Classes frieze

Are all Chordates vertebrates?  All vertebrates are regarded as chordates. However, not all chordates are vertebrates.

Further Reading and Resources

Chordata Definition – Biology Online