LI: (1) to describe the differences in the life cycles of a mammal

     (2) how mammals reproduce 

     (3) to use research to answers questions

When you see ‘heading’ or ‘subheading’ in blue, please write them into your book when you get to that section – this will help to organise your work.

Science: life cycles of mammals (main heading)

Session 1:

Recap

Subheading: What are mammals? How can we identify them from their key features?

• Watch video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3ZHiBaecu4
• Subheading: key features of mammals

List the key features of mammals in your book underneath this subheading

• Quick quiz either on your own or with a partner – working through the alphabet, how many mammals can you list? Were there any letters you couldn’t find a mammal for?

Subheading: What is the life cycle of a mammal?

• Explore the Session 1 Mammals Life Cycle PowerPoint. Do all mammals have the same lifecycle or are there any exceptions?
• Draw 2 life cycles: one to show a simple mammal and one for an exception. If you wish, you can use the template on page 4 of the Mammal’s Life Cycle, to help you set out your life cycle.

Try to include:

               - the four stages: embryo, infant (baby), adolescent and adult

               - key facts, including changes which occur at each stage

Session 2:

Subheading: How do mammals reproduce?

• Watch short video clip explaining how animals reproduce: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zgssgk7/articles/z9xb39q
• Subheading: What are the differences between different species of mammals? subheading)

Think about the following questions: How do they give birth? How long is their gestation period? What size are their babies?

• Explore the Session 2 Mammals Life Cycle PowerPoint
• Watch the video clip: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-three-different-ways-mammals-give-birth-kate-slabosky

TASK (read everything, including the challenges, before you begin!):

• Complete some research to find out key facts about mammals life cycles.
• Create top trumps cards for different mammals. Include facts for:

             - Gestation period,

             - Number of young

             - Height/length at birth

             - Average height/length of adults

             - Weight at birth

             - Average weight of adult

             - Life expectancy

Challenges (see top trump templates below):

CH1 – complete top trump cards for data in Mammals Data Bank

CH2 – add additional cards for animals you have researched

Ch3 – as above plus add additional features/interesting facts to each of your animals