After learning all about mammals, first graders are now learning about amphibians. We have discovered that amphibians have each of the following characteristics:
- vertebrates
- cold-blooded
- lay eggs (oviparous)
- live on land and in water
- have smooth, moist skin
- can have lungs or gills and many can breathe through their skin underwater
We compared the characteristics of an amphibian to a reptile to distinguish between these similar-looking animals. This was a great opportunity to explore Venn diagrams. We discovered that, while both types are vertebrates, cold blooded and lay eggs, they have many distinguishing features. While reptiles have dry, scaly skin, amphibians have smooth moist skin. Additionally, reptiles have lungs, but amphibians can have lungs or gills or breathe through their skin. Amphibians go through a metamorphosis from egg to adult, while reptiles hatch in a smaller version of their adult form. First graders used their knowledge of the characteristics of both amphibians and reptiles to distinguish between each and sort a list of animals into the two groups.
After learning about their characteristics, we explored some interesting types of amphibians. A class favorite was the axolotl. Although all of us previously thought it was pronounced “ax-O-lot-l”, we learned that it is actually pronounced “aw-shuh-lot”!
On Tuesday, we continued to familiarize ourselves with amphibians by exploring some videos about them and their life cycles, and then playing amphibian and reptile bingo! This game helped us identify the names of the creatures and then discuss their features to decide as a group if they were classified as a reptile or an amphibian.
