Mini Beast Tracker Worksheet Mini Beast Tracker
Invertebrate Safari Observation Sheet
Name:
Date:
Warm-Up Prediction
Before we go outside, look at your schoolyard list. Which group do you think will have more types of animals found today?
Vertebrates (Animals with backbones)
Invertebrates (Animals without backbones)
Safari Tally Sheet
Invertebrate Group Tallies (Number found) Observation Notes (Color, size, movement) Ants
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Pill Bugs (Roly Polies)
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Worms
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Spiders
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Other: __________
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Safari Sketch
Choose one invertebrate you found and draw it in detail. Label the body parts you see!
Post-Safari Analysis
1. Looking at your tallies, how many total invertebrates did you find? How many vertebrates (birds, squirrels, etc.) did you see?
Total Invertebrates:
Total Vertebrates:
2. Did your findings match your prediction from earlier? Why do you think that is?
3. The video mentioned that invertebrates are the "majority" of animals on Earth. Based on your small sample outside, does that seem true? Explain.
Mini Beast Bonus Challenge
Did you find any invertebrates with a hard outer covering? This is called an exoskeleton . Draw a star next to any animal in your table that had one!
"An invertebrate is an animal that does not have an internal skeleton of bones or a backbone." - Safari Guide
Safari Rules:
1. Observe, don't touch. 2. Stay in the zone. 3. Respect their home.
Backyard Biodiversity Slides Backyard Biodiversity
Uncovering the Hidden World of Invertebrates
Explore
Identify
Schoolyard Safari
Think about the schoolyard. What animals have you seen out there?
Brainstorm List
Call out animals you've spotted near the school!
The Big Question
Which list will be longer: animals WITH backbones or WITHOUT them?
Make Your Prediction
Vertebrates
Animals WITH a backbone and internal skeleton.
?
Invertebrates
Animals WITHOUT a backbone or internal skeleton.
?
Mark your choice on your Mini Beast Tracker!
Discovery Video
Duration: 2:35
Embedded media
Watch for backbones!
Look for exoskeletons!
Feel Your Spine
Touch your own back. Can you feel the bumps running down the middle?
Are humans vertebrates or invertebrates?
Think about the video's explanation of a backbone and internal skeleton.
External Support
Exoskeleton
"A hard outer body covering that provides support and protection."
The Desk Test
Knock on your desk. This hard surface is like an exoskeleton. Now squeeze your arm. Your skin is soft, but your bones inside are hard!
Mini Beast Safari Rules
1
Observe, Don't Disturb: Look with your eyes and magnifying glasses, but do not touch the animals or their homes.
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Stay Together: Work within your designated "Safari Zone."
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Track Everything: Tally every invertebrate you see. If you aren't sure what it is, draw a picture!
Grab your clipboard & magnifying glass!
The Majority Rule
"The vast majority of animals are invertebrates."
— Safari Discovery Video
Class Results
Did we find more vertebrates or invertebrates today?
Why?
Why are invertebrates so much more common than vertebrates?
Safari Field Guide Teacher Resource Safari Field Guide
Teacher Resource & Facilitation Plan
Grade 4 • Biology • 45-50 Min
Required Materials
Clipboards: One per student (or pair).Mini Beast Tracker: 1 printed copy per student.Magnifying Glasses: To observe small arthropods.Slide Deck: For instruction and video viewing.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
Define and differentiate between vertebrates and invertebrates.
Identify common invertebrate groups (arthropods, worms, mollusks).
Observe and tally local biodiversity in a controlled field study.
Timing Activity & Facilitation Notes 5 min Warm-Up & Brainstorm
Display Slide 2. Ask students to list animals they've seen in the schoolyard. Introduce the concept of "Prediction" regarding Vertebrates vs. Invertebrates.
Prompt: "Will the list of animals with backbones be longer, or the list without them?"
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| 5 min |
Video: An Introduction to Invertebrates
Watch the video. Use the "Teaching Moments" (Slide 5-6) to pause and check for understanding.
0:35: Pause. Have students feel their spine. Discuss backbones.1:58: Pause on the beetle. Introduce Exoskeleton .
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| 30 min |
Invertebrate Safari Activity
Head outside. Distribute magnifying glasses and clipboards. Designate a "Safari Zone" (grass, mulch, or playground edges).
Safety & Ethics:
Remind students to observe only. Many invertebrates are fragile or can bite/sting if handled (e.g., ants, spiders). No animal should be picked up.
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| 5 min |
Closure & Comparison
Return to the classroom. Tally the class findings on the board. Compare the total number of invertebrates found to vertebrates.
Key Takeaway: Invertebrates make up about 95% of all animal species on Earth!
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Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Arthropods
Insects, spiders, crabs, millipedes. They have jointed legs and exoskeletons.
Mollusks
Snails and slugs (common in schoolyards). Soft bodies, some have shells.
