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Shape of Life provides free science resources for both students and teachers about the evolution of the animal kingdom. We offer short videos, lesson plans, features and news of animals on planet earth.
Phyla
The animal kingdom is one of six kingdoms of life on earth. Discover the greatest story ever told - the story of the animal kingdom and the eight major phyla that make up 99 percent of animals.
Features
Creature
Crown of Thorns Sea Star (COTS)
COTS can have up to twenty-one arms! These arms are flexible and can curl allowing them to move quickly over rocks and reefs. Learn more about their gnarly defenses.
Crown of Thorns Sea Star (COTS)
COTS can have up to twenty-one arms! These arms are flexible and can curl allowing them to move quickly over rocks and reefs. Learn more about their gnarly defenses.
Lesson Plan
Artful Echinoderms
Engaging Students with Echinoderm Phenomena, Adaptations, and Art
Artful Echinoderms
Engaging Students with Echinoderm Phenomena, Adaptations, and Art
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Climate News
Super El Niño Is Here
You may have heard that a Super-El Niño is on its way. The tropical Pacific has already reached temperatures not seen since 2015.
Super El Niño Is Here
You may have heard that a Super-El Niño is on its way. The tropical Pacific has already reached temperatures not seen since 2015.
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Teacher
Mendy Hyatt-Hensley, Upper Elementary, Montessori Academy Celebration, Florida
My students are most engaged when collaborating with others on something meaningful that encourages creativity and invites choices.
Mendy Hyatt-Hensley, Upper Elementary, Montessori Academy Celebration, Florida
My students are most engaged when collaborating with others on something meaningful that encourages creativity and invites choices.
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Scientist
Julia Notar Postdoctoral Scholar, Friday Harbor Labs University of Washington
Blurb: Julia is currently studying sea star vision, specifically eye growth from juvenile to adult. She wants to understand the life cycle of vision.
Julia Notar Postdoctoral Scholar, Friday Harbor Labs University of Washington
Blurb: Julia is currently studying sea star vision, specifically eye growth from juvenile to adult. She wants to understand the life cycle of vision.
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Blog
Echinoderm Vision
Sea stars have small true compound eyes on their arm tips, sometimes called optic cushions.
Echinoderm Vision
Sea stars have small true compound eyes on their arm tips, sometimes called optic cushions.
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