Session outline
In this session we explore the animal kingdom through habitats. Beginning with a discussion about what a habitat is we go onto sorting animals into groups, exploring how different animals such as herbivores and carnivores can exist within the same habitat. Using our new found skills, we explore the animals within the gallery and begin to identify and group animals by looking at their teeth. Year 1 groups will explore and create food chains with an active storytelling activity, whereas year 2 groups will extend their learning and discover the consequences of change on the wildlife living within a fenland habitat.
Duration
This session last a total of 1 hour, organised into activities of no more than 15 minutes. We recommend a 2 hour visit to the Museum, so that you class then has more opportunity to explore the galleries, and have included some suggested self-led activities below.
Learning outcomes
Year 1 groups
- The ability to identify and group animals in a variety of ways, including according to diet.
- Explore how nutrients are passed along a food chain.
- Understand that different animals live in and are suited to different habitats and that all living things are interconnected.
National Curriculum
- Animals, including humans; living things and their habitats; identify and name a variety of common animals.
- Describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food
- Working scientifically; observation skills.
Year 2 groups
- The ability to identify and group animals in a variety of ways, including according to diet.
- Explore how nutrients are passed along a food chain.
- Understand that different animals live in and are suited to different habitats and that all living things are interconnected.
- Begin to think about how change within habitats can affect living things.
National Curriculum
- Living things and their habitats; identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how habitats provide for their basic needs and how they depend on each other; identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats; micro-habitats; food chains.
- Animals, including humans; basic needs for survival (water, food and air).
- Working scientifically; observation skills, descriptive writing; sorting and classifying.
Related self-led activities
living_in_the_extremes_activity.pdf (186.84 KB) Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during school term-time. To book this session please see our School Visits page and complete a school booking request form.
