Animals without bones
I can compare and group invertebrate animals, based on the structure of their bodies.
Animals without bones
I can compare and group invertebrate animals, based on the structure of their bodies.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some animals do not have any bones.
- Animals that do not have bones, including a spine, inside their bodies are called invertebrates.
- Some invertebrate animals have a hard layer or shell for protection on the outside of their bodies called an exoskeleton
- Some invertebrate animals' bodies are filled with fluid, such as worms and jellyfish.
Keywords
Invertebrates - Animals that do not have bones, including a spine, on the inside of their bodies are invertebrates.
Spine - The backbone of an animal is also called its spine.
Exoskeleton - An exoskeleton is the hard outer layer that covers, supports, and protects the body of an invertebrate.
Compare - We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.
Fluid - A fluid is a gas or liquid that moves freely.
Common misconception
Pupils may believe if an animal has a head, extremities and an external skeleton it is a vertebrate.
Share images of lots of animals with exoskeletons and compare them to a knight that puts on armour to protect themselves from injury.
Equipment
Secondary resources to research invertebrates. Look for videos of animals shedding exoskeletons.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
invertebrate
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