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Year 5 - Science

Endangered animals & life cycles (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Reproduction and life cycles: animals

Unit Summary

This unit explores the life cycles of mammals, amphibians, insects, and birds, and the reproduction process in plants and animals. It focuses on recording data, presenting findings with conclusions, and evaluating scientific evidence to support or refute ideas in various presentation formats.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to find out about why some animals are in danger, and the impact this could have on their life cycles.

Key Notes

  • If an animal is endangered, it may not be able to reproduce, and the species can become extinct
  • There are many reasons that animals can become endangered, such as deforestation or changing climate
  • We can find out more about endangered animals by observing them and carrying out research

Vocabulary To Learn

  • species: A species is a group of animals or plants that are similar and can have babies together.
  • extinct: Animals or plants that have died out completely are extinct.
  • reproduce: When living things reproduce they create their offspring.
  • endangered: An endangered plant or animal is one that is at risk of becoming extinct.
  • research: To research something is to find out about it or investigate it carefully.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that animals and plants can adapt to their habitats, no matter how they change.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

If an animal is endangered, it may not be able to reproduce, and the species can become extinct. There are many reasons that animals can become endangered, such as deforestation or changing climate.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'species'

A species is a group of animals or plants that are similar and can have babies together. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that animals and plants can adapt to their habitats, no matter how they change. Correction: Use the lesson resources to make it clear that adaptations take a very long time and sometimes habitats change too fast for this to happen.

More Lessons In This Unit

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