Comparing the life cycles of mammals and birds
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the differences in the life cycles of mammals and birds.
Key learning points
- Different life cycles can be compared to find similarities and differences
- Mammals and birds have some similarities and some differences in their life cycles
- Differences in life cycles can be communicated using scientific diagrams and tables
Keywords
Life cycle - A life cycle is the way in which a living thing changes as it ages.
Mammal - A mammal is a warm-blooded animal that gives birth to live young and has hair or fur.
Bird - A bird is a warm-blooded animal that lays eggs and has feathers, wings and a beak.
Similarity - A similarity is something that two objects have in common.
Difference - A difference between two objects or things is something that is not similar or the same about them.
Common misconception
All animal life cycles have the same stages; anything different to mammals is not an 'animal'.
Use the examples in the slide deck to make it clear that different types of animals have different life cycles.
Teacher tip
If you have access to tablets or computers for research, children can research their favourite animals and compare findings with their peers to improve engagement.
Equipment
Access to the internet for research (optional).
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the correct definition.
Q2.What is the scientific name for a fully grown mammal?
Q3.Match the mammal life cycle stage to the correct description.
Q4.Egg, , fledgling, adult. Which stage is missing from the bird life cycle?
Q5.Birds lay eggs. Which life process is laying eggs part of?
Q6.Which one of these can an adult bird do, but a fledgling bird cannot?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the animal to its life cycle.
Q2.We can use scientific diagrams and tables to compare similarities and between animal life cycles.
Q3.Which life cycle stage do mammals and birds share?
Q4.What is the name for the life cycle stage at which both birds and mammals can reproduce?
Q5.What is the name for this type of diagram that can be used to compare and contrast things?
Q6.Which of these is a reason for scientists to use a table or diagram?
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Comparing the life cycles of mammals and birds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Comparing the life cycles of mammals and birds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Reproduction and life cycles: animals unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.