Living Things and their Habitats - Knowledge Organisers

The curriculum for Year 5 Biology delves into the fascinating world of living things and their habitats, focusing on how organisms reproduce and the various life cycles in nature. Prior knowledge required includes understanding the classification of animals into vertebrates and invertebrates, basic life cycles of plants and humans, and the processes involved in plant reproduction such as dispersal, fertilisation, and germination. Students should be familiar with the seven life processes, with reproduction being one of them, and the function of different plant parts. The influence of Sir David Attenborough's work on natural history is also acknowledged. The term 'metamorphic' is introduced in the context of rocks, signifying a change in form, which parallels the biological concept of metamorphosis.

Throughout the unit, students will engage in practical investigations such as dissecting flowers to understand their structure and functions, and observing the growth of plants from various parts like seeds and bulbs. They will compare the life cycles of different species, including mammals, amphibians, insects, and birds, noting the similarities and differences, such as the occurrence of metamorphosis in some. The unit also encourages students to observe local flora and fauna, and to consider the work of naturalists like David Attenborough and Jane Goodall. By the end of the unit, students will have a comprehensive understanding of reproduction, both sexual and asexual, the mechanisms of plant reproduction, and the diverse life cycles that characterise the animal kingdom.