Animal Diets - Lesson Plan

In this engaging Year One biology lesson, part of the Animals including Humans module, pupils will delve into the fascinating world of animal diets, focusing on the distinct categories of carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores. The lesson is aligned with the National Curriculum, aiming to enhance pupils' science skills, such as observing over time, noticing patterns, and researching using secondary resources. It builds on the foundations laid during the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), where pupils learned to identify common animals, and sets the stage for future learning in subsequent years. Through a variety of activities, children will explore and describe the differences between animal diets, give examples of what these animals eat, and associate different types of teeth with their dietary habits.

The lesson plan is rich with cross-curricular links, including geography, art, and design technology, encouraging pupils to learn about animal habitats, draw pictures of animals and their food, and even create model teeth. Health and safety considerations are taken into account, with reminders for pupils to wash their hands after handling modelling clay and to exercise care when using scissors. The lesson is supported by a variety of resources, including animal teeth card sets, modelling clay, and paint, allowing for hands-on learning experiences. Pupils will engage in activities such as examining each other's teeth, matching teeth with their functions, and creating model teeth. They will also use A3 paper, glue, coloured paper, pens, and scissors to craft representations of animal diets and present their findings to the class. This lesson plan not only educates but also corrects common misconceptions about animal diets, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject.