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Minibeasts. What is a minibeast?. Arachnids (spiders). Crustaceans (woodlice). All of these creatures can be called minibeasts . Insects. Myriapods (centipedes/ millipedes). Worms. Molluscs (slugs and snails). They are all small!. What do they all share in common?.
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What is a minibeast? Arachnids (spiders) Crustaceans (woodlice) All of these creatures can be called minibeasts Insects Myriapods (centipedes/ millipedes) Worms Molluscs (slugs and snails)
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 What do they all share in common? As well as keeping the body solid, it also helps to protect them from harm.
Where do you find minibeasts? Many places! soil leaf litter rotten logs under stones and bits of wood on trees and bushes
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 ‘key’ • 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
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