Image
Sponges
Sponge Videos
- Image
Lesson Plan
What Is An AnimalIn this lesson students discuss the definition of an animal. What characteristics do all animals have in common? To introduce the subject the teacher gives a brief discussion of the five kingdoms (see reference below). What evidence is needed to decide that an organism is an animal? Students watch the video Sponges: Origins and reconsider the definition of an animal.Full Lesson Plan
- Image
Factsheet
Sponges: The TrailblazersScientists believe sponges are the oldest animal phylum. They first appeared about 600 million years ago.Download Factsheet
- Image
Reading
Sponges: Animal Eve, Where Do Organisms Come From?I'm obsessed with learning where we came from. And what I mean by that is not who your mother and father are, or your grandparents, but rather where do the organisms come from that gave rise to complex animals like us.Download Reading
Features
Creature
The UN-fragile Glass Sponge
Glass sponges get their name from their spicules built from silica – glass. Sponges don’t have skeletons like ours; instead they have spicules, which are the structural components like bricks. The glass sponge’s design has intrigued engineers who want to understand how they build glass structures of such strength.
The UN-fragile Glass Sponge
Glass sponges get their name from their spicules built from silica – glass. Sponges don’t have skeletons like ours; instead they have spicules, which are the structural components like bricks. The glass sponge’s design has intrigued engineers who want to understand how they build glass structures of such strength.
Image
Scientist
Amanda Kahn Assistant Professor, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories- San Jose State University
Join Amanda as she shares the magnificent world of sponges and how they go to battle with the climate crisis.
Amanda Kahn Assistant Professor, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories- San Jose State University
Join Amanda as she shares the magnificent world of sponges and how they go to battle with the climate crisis.
Image
Did You Know?
Early Multicellular Animal
We always wonder where and when animal life began. Now, scientists in Scotland have found microfossils in a primeval dry lake bed that might provide a clue.
Early Multicellular Animal
We always wonder where and when animal life began. Now, scientists in Scotland have found microfossils in a primeval dry lake bed that might provide a clue.
Image
Shape of Life Blog
Biomimicry
Nature has inspired inventions since the first humans tried to make things. Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature to help solve design problems. Today scientists and engineers are finding inspiration from animals and plants that may surprise you.
Biomimicry
Nature has inspired inventions since the first humans tried to make things. Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature to help solve design problems. Today scientists and engineers are finding inspiration from animals and plants that may surprise you.
Image
