TARGET AGE LEVEL: 5th Grade, one class period

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the lesson, students will be able to:
    1. Describe the main characteristics of mammals.
    2. Identify mammals as the most complex vertebrates.
    3. Describe how mammals can be both helpful and harmful to people.

CONCEPTS/STANDARDS ADDRESSED:
    identify, compare, contrast, describe

MATERIALS:
    Science Textbook
    Handout

MOTIVATOR/ANTICIPATORY SET: Students will bring in an assortment of mammals found in magazines or on the internet. On the board, list the students' descriptions of the characteristics of these animals. Ask whether these animals are mammals. Discuss how the characteristics of these animals compare with those of the other vertebrates.

PROCEDURE/KEY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
    1. We will begin reading the chapter and look at the picture of the springer spaniel and the pups. Mammals are the most complex group of vertebrates because of their characteristics. Ask students to point out the main characteristics (warm-blooded, body covered with fur or hair, produce milk for their young.)
    2. As we continue reading the chapter as a class, discuss the great variety in the habitats of mammals and in the size and mass of mammals. Where do mammals live? (some on land and some in water)
    3. What is the largest mammal? (Blue whale) The smallest? (shrew)
    4. Even though some mammals live in water, they still have characteristics of mammals. Have the students compare the characteristics of fish and of mammals that live in water. (fish have scales, breathe with gills, and are cold-blooded; mammals have fur, breathe with lungs, and produce milk for their young.)
    5. Have students compare the length of time required for the development of a hamster, a giraffe, a dog, and a whale. In general, the longer a baby mammal stays inside the mother's body, the larger and more developed the baby will be. A long gestation period is often coupled with a fairly long period of postnatal care.
    6. Discuss the deveopment of the kangaoo and the opossum. Identify the kangaroo as an animal that has a pouch. The young are helpless and undeveloped when first born and continue to grow and develop inside the mother's pouch.
    7. Discuss the different ways in which mammals can be both helpful and harmful to people.  How can mammals be harmful? (spread disease, eat stored food)

CLOSURE: Review the main characteristics of mammals? (warm-blooded, body covered with fur or hair, produce milk for their young.)

ASSESSMENT: Students will be assessed by their participation in class, their cooperation within their groups, and the attached worksheet, which will be given for homework.