Invertebrates

toc = //**What is an invertebrate?**// = This is a pathfinder for year 3 and 4 students.

//Task//
Choose an invertebrate you'd like to find out more about Prepare an //Information Report// on your chosen invertebrate. Remember to include information on
 * Description
 * Habitat
 * Diet
 * Reproduction
 * Interesting Facts



//**Remember**// to keep referring back to the task you were given to make sure the information is helping you complete it.

Links have been included to help you with
 * the Information Skills Process,
 * searching the internet and library catalogues with keywords, and
 * a selection of books, websites and e-learning objects to help get you started.

//**Remember**// to make notes in your research book as you go. //**Remember**// to write the details of the books, websites and elearning objects you use in your bibliography

//Key words//
invertebrate marine invertebrate insect Depending on the type of invertebrate you chose, you will also need to think of other key words, these would include
 * the common name of your chosen invertebrate
 * the scientific name of your invertebrates family, e.g mollusc for an octopus or snail

Encyclopedias - Dictionaries
Children's Encarta DV D Computer Software Children's Encarta is available on the school's computer network and designed for primary students. It is easy to use and understand with good, clear information on invertebrates.. Remember to use your keywords when searching and look at multimedia available as well.

Fact Monster Fact Monster provides an encyclopedia, a dictionary, a thesaurus and an almanac. Type a keyword into the search box to get results for all sections of the site or choose a section first, eg encyclopedia, then type your keyword.

Internet Searching
KidsClick! This is a very helpful search engine because you just keep making choices until it gets you where you want to be - you don't have to worry about making spelling or typing mistakes! To find links to sites on //invertebrates,// you will need to choose //Science & Mathematics,// then //Animals// before you choose the link you need. When you read the information about the site, it will also tell you what reading level it is. The reading level means the year you are in at school, not the age you are.

Ask Kids This is a really easy to use search engine that will show different types of results for your keyword. It will include websites, images and a definition if there is one. Make sure you look on the left had side as it will also give suggestions to widen your search [cover more of the topic] or narrow your search [make it more specific].

//** Invertebrates Websites: **//
The following are some useful sites to visit. Don't forget to use a search engine to help you find some more. Here are some great sites to check out to find out more about invertebrates: Bugwise This very interesting site from the Australian Museum includes some excellent images on three groups of **land living invertebrates: worms, molluscs and arthropods.** It features many invertebrates unique to Australia and includes an "invertebrates guide" which describes the **physical features, where the are found, what they do** and **what they are similar too**. It includes a photograph and detailed drawing of each bug. [|Cnidarians: Alien Stingers] The fantastic site from the New York Aquarium and Wildlife Conservation Society includes brilliant images and terrific short video clips with very accessible information. It looks at **jellies, anemones** and **coral** and their general **characteristics, habitat, feeding, reproduction** and how they **sting**. The site also includes fun interactive games for students to enjoy and learn. [|Kidport: Reference Library - Invertebrates] This interesting site gives an overview of the main groups of invertebrates, including: **protozoa, annelids, molluscs, echinoderms, arthropods [crustaceans, arachnids and insects]** [|Invertebrates Key] This useful site from the CSIRO helps to identify and classify various **terrestrial [land based] invertebrates** according to their physical features. When you have identified the class of invertebrate, it gives a detailed description of their **characteristics, life-cycle, feeding** and **habitat**. [|Scribbly Gum] This ABC Science website brings animal news to kids. Scroll down the page to see different stories, some are about invertebrates and some are not! Wildlife of Sydney This useful site is also from the Australian Museum and has a large number of fact files covering both terrestrial[land] and marine [water] invertebrates, again with an Australian focus. There is information on **physical characteristics, habitat, life-cycles** and has a great **"up-close"** section which allows you to look under the "magnifying glass" at a variety of invertebrates. There are also quizes for for you to do to see how much you've learned.