Post on 16-Jan-2016
Minibeasts
What is a minibeast?
All of these creatures can be called minibeasts
Insects
Arachnids (spiders) Crustaceans
(woodlice)
Myriapods (centipedes/millipedes) Molluscs
(slugs and snails)
Worms
They are all small!
What do they all share in common?
They do not have a backbone (spine)!
They are called
INVERTEBRATES
We have a backbone!We are called
VERTEBRATES
They have an outer body skeleton
As well as keeping the body solid, it also helps to protect them from harm.
What do they all share in common?
Where do you find minibeasts?
leaf litter
rotten logs
under stones and bits of wood
on trees and bushes
soil
Many places!
How do you find them?
You have to look very carefully!
Many minibeasts use camouflage to protect themselves
This means they try to look like part of their habitat
(the place where they live)
What should you avoid?
• Areas where trees or branches have recently fallen.
• Exposed tree roots
• Wasps – they can sting
• Wasps nests
• Woodlouse hunting spiders – they can bite
How should we handle minibeasts?
Remember they are small and fragile
We must be careful
We must be gentle
If you pick up a minibeast to take a closer look remember to put it back where you found it
Simple ways to identify your minibeast
• Use a good wildlife book
• Count the legs and follow the simple rule:
0 legs = Worms, slugs and snails
6 legs = insects
8 legs = spiders
14 legs = woodlice
More than 14 legs = centipedes and millipedes
• Use a ‘key’
Back in the classroom
• Science - Make your own key
• Art - Draw some minibeasts
• Creative writing – a day in the life of a millipede, snail etc…
• IT - Minibeast game – www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/learning/
• Drama – how do minibeasts move?
• Music - Learn the insect song
The insect song
Head, thorax, abdomen, abdomen
Head, thorax, abdomen, abdomen
And 3 legs here
And 3 legs there
Eyes, and antennae on my head, on my head