Vertebrates Task Cards Activity for Biology

Vertebrates Task Cards are a fun and effective way to engage your Biology students in learning the key terms and concepts associated with the major characteristics of each class of vertebrates.

What are Task Cards?

Each task card features one question or short problem for students to answer. Just print the cards in the size you prefer and laminate them for years of use. An answer sheet is included for students to record their answers.

These print and digital task cards feature a variety of question types such as multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer. Diagrams, graphs, photos, and other images on the cards keep your students engaged in the content.

How do you use Task Cards?

Task cards are so versatile you can use them as

• a whole class study game
• a small group review activity in stations
• exit passes with individual students

Details on implementing these methods as well as others are included in the "Read This First" document.

Why do students like Task Cards?

Task cards are a student favorite because...

• Students can focus on one topic at a time and not feel overwhelmed
• Working in groups keeps your class more interactive and interesting for students
• Kinesthetic learners benefit from getting out of their seats occasionally and moving around the room
• It just feels like "fun" when you're working with cute little cards as opposed to a boring worksheet

Why do teachers like Task Cards?

Teachers love task cards for formative assessment, and they can be implemented in SO many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Bell Work or Early Finishers
• Pairs
• Question of the Day
• Stations - My favorite!
• Exit Pass
• Review Game Race
• Flashcards

I like to use the Task Cards throughout the chapter and then use the PPT Review on the day before the test.

Task Card Features:

• Editable numbering so you can add or delete as many cards as needed
• Editable text boxes so you can change the wording of questions
• An extra slide you can use to create additional cards in a matching format
• Student answer sheet
• Teacher answer key
• A PowerPoint Review that features the same task cards with the answers on them for an easy whole-class review
• Tips for editing, printing, and storing the printable task cards
• You also receive a digital version of the task cards and PowerPoint Review in Google Slides - requires zero prep!

Click on the VIEW PREVIEW box above to see more details and a complete list of key terms and concepts covered.

This EDITABLE resource includes 5 files:

1. Read This First includes a product overview, Google Drive™ links, suggestions for use, contact information, terms of use, and image credits.
2. 35 Task Cards in PowerPoint and Google Slides™ formats (each card is one slide). The textboxes on each slide are editable so you can re-word or change questions. Delete slides you don’t need or add your own in a matching format by inserting duplicate slides.
3. A 35-slide PowerPoint Review with answers. Perfect for whole-class review after students have completed the Task Cards. A Google Slides™ version is also included.
4. Student Answer Sheet
5. Teacher Answer Key

Using the print version?

Print and make copies of the student answer sheet.

Then print and laminate the cards in the size of your choice (1, 2, or 4 per page) in color or black & white.

Need to save time? Present the cards one at a time, or a few at a time, from the PowerPoint to the whole class. You can even use the PPT as a quiz!

Using the digital version?

No prep necessary! Just share the link with your students. They will type their answers directly on each slide.

What other teachers are saying about my Task Cards for Biology:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I used this to supplement the unit (with your ppt also) during a couple weeks of crazy scheduling. Students were essentially independent study and they did great. I put ppt and notes online and they complete these task cards as a formative assessment in small collaborative groups. Sanity saving product." -S.H.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Great review tool! Used these with my students to help them review for their biology state assessment. Easy to use and students didn't feel overwhelmed." - S.W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Loved this activity! I loved the suggestions for how to use the activity in class and that I could edit what I needed to! Really good for encouraging collaboration and review of notes." -K.F.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "A must-have resource for any biology class! My students were very engaged and this activity provides wonderful review over concepts!" -S.I.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Great engaging activity for students. We used these in small groups and as larger groups for review. Science Island resources are always well written, well thought out, and content driven. Task cards are a great way to provide student-led opportunities in the classroom." -K.S.

You might also like:

Vertebrates PowerPoint and Notes.

Vertebrates Review Qubes for Biology

Vertebrates Nifty Notes

Happy Teaching!

Carla Brooks