Animal Life Cycles and Reproduction - Teacher Explanation

Welcome to Lesson 5.17 on Animal Life Cycles and Reproduction, tailored for Year 5 pupils studying Living Things and their Habitats. In alignment with the National Curriculum, this lesson aims to educate pupils on the reproductive life processes of various plants and animals, and to distinguish between the life cycles of mammals, amphibians, insects, and birds. It's important to note, for health and safety reasons, to be cautious of potential plant allergies, and to ensure pupils wash their hands after contact with plant matter or soil. The lesson also includes outdoor activities, so be mindful of potential hazards like nettles, brambles, and the risk of slips from any spilled liquids, which should be promptly cleaned up.

During this session, pupils will engage in hands-on learning by creating a worm farm. They'll need two-litre drink bottles, soil, and some worms, which they can collect using methods such as mustard water extraction. The worms are to be gently placed on top of the soil in the bottle, which is then inverted to create the farm. Maintaining moisture in the soil is crucial for the worms' survival. Pupils will observe the worms over several weeks, adding tea leaves or carrot shavings as food, and noting any changes, including potential worm offspring. It's also important to prepare pupils for the possibility that not all worms may survive the experiment. Additionally, pupils will compare life cycles across animal classes using life cycle cards and create informative posters on an animal's life stages. This enriching lesson offers a blend of scientific study and creative expression, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world.