Discovering Mammals

Begin this lesson by finding out what your child already knows (or thinks he knows) about mammals.

1. What is a mammal? Are humans mammals?
2. What characteristics do all mammals have in common and how are mammals different from other animals?
3. How many different mammals can you name?

Mammals are everywhere — in the sea, on land and in the air. But what makes a mammal a mammal is a number of defining characteristics that its neighbors in the water, air and on land don’t have. All mammals have mammary glands to nurse their young, hair and backbones. They are all warm-blooded, breathe air with lungs and have highly developed brains. Though other types of animals share many of these traits, mammals are the only animals with mammary glands and hair. In fact, the word “mammal” is derived from “mammary glands.” Take the time to examine these identifying characteristics in detail, including some who have specialized characteristics. The porcupine, for example, has sharp, spiny hairs called quills that it uses to ward off any predators.

There are three different ways that mammals are born. Most baby mammals — like humans — grow inside the mother until they are ready to be born. But marsupials, like kangaroos and koalas, are born very tiny and must crawl into their mother’s pouch in order to continue their development. There are even a few kinds of mammals that lay eggs! No matter how their young are born, mammal mothers typically take care of them for a long time and teach them how to survive. Mammals have fewer young than other animal species, in large part because of the time and energy it takes to care for them.

Mammals have more advanced brains than other animals, making them the most intelligent animals on Earth. Some mammals, like humans and monkeys, have opposable thumbs and can use them to make and use tools, while others have unique ways of finding and eating food.

Every year since September 11, 2001 my family has taken homemade cookies to our local firefighters.  It’s our way of saying, “We appreciate you.”  I see it as an opportunity for us to teach our children about the terrorist attacks, about the importance of saying Thank you, and about the American spirit.  Some years we tour the station and sometimes we just drop off our homemade cookies and cards.  It’s become a tradition for us. 

Last year our homeschool support group participated with us and we delivered cookies to stations in three different Memphis suburbs.  This year we’d like to invite all of you to join us.  On September 11^th, this year and every year from now on, make a plate of your favorite cookies with your children then deliver them to the fire station nearest your home.  Let them know that we haven’t forgotten the bravery and the sacrifice of their fellow firefighters in New York.  We’ll never forget.

Science on the road?  Absolutely.   And what better place to study science than Yellowstone National Park?  Geysers, hot spots, volcanoes, wildlife, lava rock.  This is a great place to study science, and the rangers of Yellowstone can help.  Students ages 5 and up can become Young Scientists at Yellowstone.  The program is available at the Canyon Visitor Education Center or Old Faithful Visitor Center.  The kids investigate the mysteries of Yellowstone by completing activities in the visitor center and in the field.  The booklet for the youngest children, the 5–9 year olds, is offered only at Old Faithful.  If you are investigating in the Old Faithful area, be sure to check out a Young Scientist Toolkit, which has a thermometer, stopwatch, and other gear.  The kids think it’s cool.  Once your investigation is complete, you will be awarded an official Young Scientist patch or key chain.  We had a great time becoming Young Scientists.  Definitely include this experience in your Yellowstone trip!