We are studying the Kingdom Animalia and begin with arthropods.

The children recite the three characteristics that taxonomist use to classify the invertebrates that are in the phylum arthropoda; segmented body, jointed appendages, and an exoskeleton. There are five classes of arthropods and the students are comparing and contrasting two of those classes. Class Diplopoda is millipedes and Class Chilopoda is centipedes, together they make a subphylum called Myriapods. Our class observes the similarities of the centipede and the millipede, but also quickly discover the main difference; they way in which they obtain energy. Centipedes are aggressive carnivores and millipedes are shy detritus eaters.

The children discover the behavioral and anatomical characteristics of the millipede by handling our class pets. Millie, Mildred, and Milo show off their legs and walking abilities to many sets of hands!