Feathers, Fur, or Scales? Animal Body Coverings Refresher

Are you getting ready to teach your students about Animal body coverings? If so, here’s a bit of a refresher on your upcoming content standards!

Every animal on earth has a different type of skin or covering that helps them survive and live in their environment. For example, some animals have fur or hair that keeps them warm and helps them hide. Birds have feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and attract a mate or protect their territory with bright colors. Snakes and lizards have scales that protect them from harm. Insects have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton that keeps them safe and helps them move. Fish and amphibians have smooth, wet skin that helps them breathe and stay moist. All of these coverings are important for animals to live happily and safely in their homes!

Printable Animal Covering Poster Pack

To ensure your students grasp the complex science vocabulary related to the types of animal body coverings, they need plenty of discussion and visual examples to clarify word meanings. This pack of printable classroom posters is perfect for doing just that! The following types of body coverings are included in this poster pack.

• Feathers
• Fur
• Scales
• Skin
• Shells
• Exoskeleton

Each printable poster includes an image, title, and brief description of the body covering and its purpose in helping an animal survive. We’ve also included black and white and color versions of these posters as well.

Download Your Animal Covering Printables Today

This resource is available in the following printable and editable formats. Click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select the file you prefer.

• Full-Color PDF (non-editable)
• BW PDF (non-editable)
• Full-Color Google Slides (Editable)
• BW Google Slides (Editable)

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Even More Ways to Teach About Animal Features and Body Coverings

Before you go, take advantage of even more resources to teach your students about animal characteristics! Explore our related resources to enhance your teaching toolkit.

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Animals With Scales, Fur, Shells and Feathers Worksheet Pack

Investigate different animal body coverings by sorting and coloring animals with feathers, fur, scales and shells.

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Animal Classification Sort

Determine if an animal is an amphibian, reptile, mammal, or bird with this sorting activity.

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Animal Classification Posters

Display information about birds, mammals, amphibians, fish, and reptiles with this poster pack.