Animals

For the past two weeks we have been learning about animals in science. What is an animal? What does the word "animal" mean? 

For our first lesson we brainstormed a list of animals. Then we put the animals into four different categories (mammals, reptiles & amphibians, birds, & insects). Then we discussed the attributes animals have...how are they different from plants? We learned that animals can move on their own. Most animals move with purpose--they move to get food/water and they move to protect themselves. Most animals have 'brains,' but not all. Also, most animals react to their senses. Then, we drew six different animals. 

The next day we sorted animals into categories. 

Then we reviewed animal needs. We learned that animals need food/water, shelter, & oxygen. 

The next day we discussed warm and cold blooded animals. We learned that birds and mammals are warm-blooded. It takes energy to keep the body warm. We discussed how even if our skin feels hot or cold, our body temperature stays the same unless we are sick...then the temperature goes up. Warm-blooded animals always stay the same warm temperature inside unless they are sick. Cold-blooded animals like reptiles, fish & insects, do not use energy to warm their bodies. They take the temperature of their surroundings. If they are in a cold place, they are cold, and if they are in a hot place, their bodies are hot.