Chapter 5

WHICH IS THE LONGEST OF THEM ALL?

INTRODUCTION

Animals come in all different sizes, shapes and lengths.   How long is a seahorse? What about a killer whale? How many centimeters in length is a chipmunk? Is it longer than a gecko?

TASK

Use the Internet to find out the length of 1 animal from each of the following groups: mammal, amphibian and reptile, bird, fish, and insect.

You must have 1 example measured in millimetres, 1 in centimetres, 1 in decimetres, 1 in metres and 1 in multiple units. Construct a graph to show the data you collected. Your graph should answer the question, "Which animal is the longest of them all?" Write two other questions to your graph answers.

PROCESS

1. Use the following websites to find the lengths of different animals.

   Seaworld

   The Canadian Museum of Nature

   Toronto Zoo

   Hinterland Who's Who

   Remember, you want to record the lengths using different units of measurement. Record your findings on The Animal Group Fact Sheet .
   
   
2. Now that you have the data you need, you are ready to start making your graph. Ask yourself, what type of graph would be best? What scale will I use? Show the length of the animals using the same unit of measurement. This should help you decide on a scale.
   
   
3. Using your graph answer the question, who is the longest of them all?
   
   
4. Write 2 other questions that your graph answers.  

RESOURCES

Websites:

Seaworld

The Canadian Museum of Nature

Toronto Zoo

Hinterland Who's Who

Materials:

graphing software and computer (optional)

grid paper

pencil crayons

ruler

Files:

The Animal Group Fact Sheet