An Introduction to Mammals using Pokémon - Videos + Extension Activities

Learn all about the characteristics of mammals using Pokémon as a guide!

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has 12 parts to it. Each “part” consists of a downloadable video presentation (most about 45 minutes in length) hosted on Google Drive, along with some resources and project ideas to expand the students’ understanding.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ COURSE SUMMARY ▬▬▬▬▬▬

Mammals are classified into taxonomical groups called orders. Students will study what traits and behaviors each order shares with the Pokémon we know and love. Students will learn how to compare and contrast these creatures using a Venn Diagram as a comparison tool. They will also be introduced to Dichotomous Keys and Cladograms and their usefulness.

Part 1: Introduction to taxonomy, classification systems, and the characteristics of mammals.

Part 2: Primates (apes and monkeys)

Part 3: Dermoptera (flying lemurs), Hyracoidae (hyraxes), Insectivora (insect-eaters), Edentata (toothless mammals), Pholidata (pangolins), Tubulidentata (aardvarks)

Part 4: Carnivora (cat-like carnivores)

Part 5: Carnivora (dog-like carnivores)

Part 6: Cetacea, Sirenia, Pinnipedia (aquatic mammals)

Part 7: Artiodactyla (even-toed hoofed animals)

Part 8: Perissodactyla (odd-toed hoofed animals), Proboscidea (elephants)

Part 9: Chiroptera (bats)

Part 10: Rodentia (rodents), Lagomorpha (rabbits),

Part 11: Marsupialia (pouched animals), Monotremata (egg-laying mammals)

Part 12: Conclusion

▬▬▬▬▬▬ LEARNING OBJECTIVES ▬▬▬▬▬▬

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

♦ Explain the basics of Biological Classification Systems.

♦ Understand how DNA, fossils, and evolutionary lines are all building blocks of modern taxonomy.

♦ Describe the commonalities that all mammals share.

♦ Compare and contrast two similar creatures using a Venn Diagram.

♦ Explain the traits and behaviors of a variety of mammals of different orders.

♦ Compare hundreds of popular Pokemon to the mammals that inspired them.

♦ Create a Cladogram with a list of mammals.

♦ Know how to use a Dichotomous Key.