Mammal life cycles

I can describe the stages in the life cycle of different mammals.

Mammal life cycles

I can describe the stages in the life cycle of different mammals.

Slide deck

Lesson details

Key learning points

1. Mammals are animals, they are living things that grow and reproduce
2. Life cycles of different mammals can be observed over time and/or researched using secondary sources of information
3. Scientific diagrams are used to show the stages in a mammal’s life cycle
4. Mammals are born alive from their mother
5. The stages of a mammal’s life cycle are baby, young and adult

Common misconception

Pupils may think that humans are not animals, but something different.

When mammals are discussed in the lesson, remind pupils that humans are animals and mammals because of their shared characteristics.

Keywords

• Mammal - A mammal is a warm-blooded animal that gives birth to live young and has hair or fur.
• Life cycle - A life cycle is the way in which a living thing changes as it ages.
• Secondary sources - Secondary sources are texts, images or objects created using information gathered by others.
• Research - To research something is to find out about it or investigate it carefully.

Encourage children to research an animal that they are personally interested them and give them opportunities to share their findings and interesting facts with their peers.

Equipment

Non-fiction texts about mammal life cycles and/or access to the internet for research.

Content guidance

• Risk assessment required - equipment