An animal is a living thing which moves and eats other animals or plants.

Living things create offspring when they reproduce.

A gestation period is the amount of time an animal carries its offspring inside its body before giving birth.

A prediction is a statement saying what you think will happen.

To research something is to find out about it or investigate it carefully.

Animal gestation periods

Science

In this Reproduction and life cycles: animals unit, pupils learn to describe the life process of reproduction in some animals. In the Evolution and inheritance unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents

In the New life unit, pupils learnt that animals, including humans, have offspring which grow into adults. In this Reproduction and life cycles: animals unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to describe the differences in life cycles of different animal groups

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.

Reproduction and life cycles: animals

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

When an animal is growing inside its mother’s body, it is called a {{}} period. 

Which of these animals is likely to have the shortest gestation period?

Which of these animals would not spend time gestating inside its mother’s body?

Starting with the longest, order these animals according to the length of their gestation period. 

Look at the table. What would be a sensible prediction for the gestation period of a fox?

Carrying out research using secondary sources.

Going bird watching in different seasons.

Which of these ways can we use to find out about animal gestation periods?

Which of these animal types give birth to live young?

Which of these words means to find out more about something by using other sources of information?

When animals make more of the same type of animal, it is called {{}}.

When scientists say what they think will happen in an investigation, it is called a {{}}.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet