Resource #V152091

Précis

The pre-visit task reinforces students understanding of life cycles. The on-site task relates the animals students will observe at Tapnell Farm Park to the concept of different stages within a variety of life cycles. They are then encouraged to describe the differences between the life cycles for mammals and birds. The post-visit task encourages students to research various gestation periods for a range of different animals.

Contextual Summary

The pre-visit task reinforces students understanding of life cycles. The on-site task relates the animals students will observe at Tapnell Farm Park to the concept of different stages within a variety of life cycles. They are then encouraged to describe the differences between the life cycles for mammals and birds. The post-visit task encourages students to research various gestation periods for a range of different animals.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Biology → Living things and their habitats

Implementation

Students carrying out the pre-visit task will produce life cycle wheels. They use the worksheets to arrange a life cycle on a paper plate. A section is cut from a second paper plate which is then fixed on top. This allows the students to move the upper plate and display the various stages of a life cycle. The on-site task focuses on the observation of different animals and to relate the animals to the different stages of their life cycles. The task involves students observing an animal and completing the different stages of the life cycle on the worksheet. Students will observe a variety of different animals and complete the life cycle worksheets for a range of different animals. They will then focus on the life cycle of a mammal and a bird and describe the differences between the two life cycles. The post-visit task is a research exercise. Students complete the table by filling in the different gestation periods for various animals. The pre-visit aspects of this task enables students to work together in small groups or individually to produce life cycles. The on-site resource is designed to be completed individually during the trip to Tapnell Farm Park. The post-visit task can be completed individually or organised as a group activity.

Key Skills Practised

• Observation of various characteristics
• Recording observations
• Communication skills
• Research skills

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to create life cycles in the correct chronological order. Students will record their observations. Students will be able to describe the differences between the life cycles of a mammal and a bird. Students will be able to identify different stages of a life cycle. Students will demonstrate an understanding that all living things have their own life cycle and have different gestation periods.