Our Reception science animals and their habitats unit introduces pupils to early scientific enquiry through practical exploration, observation and discussion. Part of the Scintillating Science programme, this unit helps children explore where animals live, how habitats meet their needs and how living things can be grouped and compared.
Designed around the disciplinary knowledge pupils need for Year 1 science and beyond, each lesson develops a different working scientifically skill including observing closely, asking questions, performing simple tests, noticing changes and talking about observations. Pupils learn through play-based investigations, sensory exploration and meaningful discussion linked to the EYFS Framework and Understanding the World.
The unit includes detailed lesson planning, interactive teaching slides, differentiated activity sheets, knowledge organisers and assessment opportunities. Each lesson combines a short whole-class carpet input with practical adult-led and independent activities designed to encourage curiosity and scientific talk.
This Reception animals and habitats unit forms part of our complete EYFS Science Scheme, supporting progression in scientific knowledge and enquiry skills through practical, hands-on learning.
This unit can be taught at any point during the year as part of your Reception science curriculum. All Reception science units are flexible and can be taught in any order. However, we recommend teaching the Mini-Scientists unit last, as it draws together knowledge and enquiry skills developed across the other units while helping prepare pupils for Year 1 science.
Teach Reception science animals and their habitats through practical investigations and purposeful play that help pupils explore how living things survive in different environments. This engaging EYFS science unit supports children in comparing animals, identifying habitat features, observing closely and developing scientific vocabulary through hands-on learning.
Aligned with the EYFS Framework, the unit helps pupils build early enquiry skills that prepare them for future science learning in Key Stage 1. Lessons are flexible enough to be taught as part of a wider topic or as stand-alone Reception science lessons across the year.
