This document describes the formation of the notochord and differentiation of the intra-embryonic mesoderm in 5 steps. It explains that the intra-embryonic mesoderm forms from proliferating cells on the sides of the primitive node and streak. This mesoderm then differentiates into the paraxial, intermediate, and lateral plate mesoderm. The paraxial mesoderm forms somites which differentiate into sclerotome, dermatome, and myotome. The intermediate mesoderm forms the urogenital system, while the lateral plate mesoderm splits to form the somatic and splanchnic mesoderm separated by the intra-embryonic coelom.