In Hands-on, pupils will explore animal groups by investigating real animal hair, scales and feathers – from lions to crocodiles! They will use a variety of descriptive words to label the textures, colours and patterns they discover, and will find out how we can use these different body coverings to put animals into three groups. At the conclusion of the session, pupils will be challenged to put a variety of zoo animals into groups, including themselves!
Age group: EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 (EYFS & KS1, Ages 4-7)
Duration: 35-45 minutes
Capacity: 35 pupils
Learning Space: Education Centre
National Curriculum links:
Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage
Characteristics of Effective Learning:
Finding out and exploring
- Showing curiosity about objects
- Using senses to explore the world around them
- Engaging in open-ended activity
- Showing particular interests
Understanding the world: The world
- Comments and asks questions about aspects of their familiar world such as the place where they live or the natural world
- Can talk about some of the things they have observed such as plants, animals, natural and found objects
- Shows care and concern for living things and the environment
- Looks closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change
KS1 Science
Lower key stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) programme of study (2014)
Working scientifically
- observing closely, using simple equipment
- identifying and classifying
- using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
Year 1 programme of study (2014)
Animals, including humans
Pupils should be taught to:
- identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
- describe and compare the structure of a variety of common animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals including pets)
Intended learning outcomes:
Pupils will be able to:
- Use appropriate words to describe how animal skin coverings look and feel
- Identify three groups of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles) by their skin coverings
Many objects from the natural world used in this session are loaned to us by HM Revenue and Customs.
Please be aware that though we aim to use a live animal in this session, we do not guarantee that they will be present – animals can fall ill or be unwilling to be handled and their welfare is ZSL’s first priority.
Additional Resources
- Support your students' learning before, during or after their visit with our online resources.
