While they may not seem like they have much  in common, anteaters, armadillos, and sloths are all part of the same group of mammals! In this multi-day class, we will take a closer look at the Mammalian superorder ‘Xenarthra’  and discuss the variety in characteristics and adaptations of the animals within.

In this class, students will learn about:
1) Armadillos
2) Anteaters
3) Sloths

Classes At-A-Glance:

Class One
In our first class, we will discuss what it means to be a Xenarthran and go back in time to learn about some ancestors of current species. We will then focus on the order Cingulata (the armadillos)

Class Two
In our second class, the last two Xenarthrans take the spotlight - anteaters and sloths (of order Pilosa)

At the end of each class, we will play a short trivia game about what we’ve learned. Participation in the game is optional and students are welcome to watch or answer privately.

There is no mandatory homework, but students are encouraged to display information about their favourite learned species in the form of a paragraph, poster, or presentation. I will provide an outline for this task after the first class and would be happy to look at the finished product and assess it if the parent (or learner) would like. While it is up to the learner and parent if the task is completed, it is strongly encouraged. 

Optional handouts and questions to promote information retention will also be provided for each class.

This class will be more of a lecture style (yet interactive) class with a PowerPoint, photos, videos, and fascinating facts. We will have conversations about these creatures (including where they live, what they eat, and different behaviours) and students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss (although are also welcome to just absorb the information if they prefer).


Class Photo Credit - DenisDoukhan of Pixabay (Anteater)
Class Photo Credit - Bennet of Unsplash (Sloth)
Class Photo Credit - Mylene2401 of Pixabay (Armadillo)