This publication and accompanying downloadable resource pack of 24 engaging activities aims to support children’s learning about animals and their lifestyles in primary classrooms. It does this by:

• providing a rich and engaging set of activities
• creating opportunities for discussion and debate
• motivating children to find out more about animals and their lifestyles
• providing a focus, a context and a purpose for learning
• creating opportunities for self, peer and teacher formative assessment.

We recognise that animals and their lifestyles is a challenging area to teach, so we have ensured that the nature and style of the activities addresses these challenges. Each activity will help children to:

• become more aware of what they already know and of areas of uncertainty or disagreement with their peers
• discover patterns and relationships that link animals and their lifestyles together
• extend their range of examples of animals and their lifestyles that illustrate these patterns and relationships
• develop understanding of some fundamental biological concepts
• develop their research skills through structured, systematic and purposeful activities
• enhance their science enquiry skills in non-practical settings.