Although the term 'invertebrate' has no real scientific validity, it is useful for collecting together all of those animals that do not have a spinal nerve cord. 'Minibeasts' could be used as a more familiar alternative — it is equally invalid in scientific terms. While some marine and tropical 'invertebrates' are fairly huge, those that the children will encounter in Britain can reasonably be described as 'minibeasts'.
The great diversity of these animals provides opportunities for children to practise observing and classifying, Because of their size, habitat and food needs, there is quite a range of such creatures that can be kept safely in captivity in an appropriate environment without any undue ethical concerns. (See the ASE booklet Be Safe! for a list of suitable animals.) Most have fairly brief life cycles, and many go through remarkable changes in form.
The key ideas to be developed are:
I. Animals can be classified by their observable similarities and differences through the use of sorting keys.
2.The life cycles of many of these animals, particularly arthropods, exhibit significant metamorphic developments.
3. Observation and collection must be carried out with due care and consideration, and with appropriate techniques and tools.
Teaching Concepts
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It is important to be aware of how these concepts can be developed in teaching. The following is one way in which the progression can be described. It goes up to Key Stage 3, because it is necessary to know where the children will be going next.To demonstrate your own understanding of the concepts, it is useful to produce your own concept chain.
Many different minibeasts inhabit the local environment. Different minibeasts can be found in different places. Minibeasts can be sorted and grouped according to their observable features. Careful collection, storage and handling is necessary for closer observation. Some minibeasts progress through significantly different stages in their life cycle.
The key features of a minibeast can be linked to the habitat in which it lives. Sorting keys can be produced and used to sort and identify particular species. The young and adult forms of a particular species of minibeast may look very different. When a minibeast is kept in captivity, the habitat and food that it needs must be provided; as with any living thing, proper care must be taken of it.
Minibeasts perform a wide range of roles within an ecosystem. Categorisation is based on observable features, some of which may only be seen in the natural habitat, A metamorphosis divides particular phases within the life cycle of a minibeast, each one demonstrating a significantly different lifestyle.