Comparing animals

Overview

Using this Resource

Connecting to the Curriculum

Marking Student Responses

Working with Students

Further Resources

This task is about comparing features of different types of animals.

Use the above diagram to answer the following questions.

Question 2Change answer

a) What feature do all these groups of animals have in common?

b) Write down all the features of reptiles.

c) How many features of birds are also found in other animals?

d) Name a feature that is found in both reptiles and birds.

Task administration:

This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.

Level:

Curriculum info:

Keywords:

Description of task:

Students use a diagram showing similar and dissimilar characteristics of reptiles, birds, and mammals, to answer questions regarding these features.

Curriculum Links:

Science capabilities

The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.

Capability: Interpret representations

This resource provides opportunities to discuss how Venn diagrams can be used to identify relationship patterns.

Science capabilities:

Answers/responses:

		Y6 (10/1999)
a)	backbone(s)	easy
b)	Cold blooded, lay eggs, scales, backbone.	moderate
c)	4	difficult
d)	Any 1 of: lay eggs scales backbone	easy

Diagnostic and formative information:

	Analysis of Correct Responses
d)	Lay eggs – 64% of students. Backbone – 7% of students. Scales – 5% of students.

	Common error
b)	Only 2 or 3 correct features listed – 13 % of students. Only 1 correct feature listed – 7% of students. Extra features, not in diagram – 5% of students.
c)	3 – 10% of students. 0, 1, or 2 – 14% of students. More than 4 – 10% of students. Names single feature – 11% of students.
d)	Other features not in diagram, e.g., feet, tails – 6% of students.