Mrs Mactivity

Year 1 Science Block 3: Common Animals

Year 1 science – Common Animals

This Year 1 common animals unit introduces pupils to different animal groups through practical investigation, observation and discussion. Across six engaging lessons, pupils identify and compare mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles while beginning to classify animals using simple scientific vocabulary.

Aligned with the National Curriculum, the unit helps pupils explore animal structures, diets and habitats while developing confidence with identifying similarities and differences between living things. Pupils take part in hands-on activities linked to the local environment, including animal spotting, bird feeder making and simple investigations exploring animal senses.

Part of our comprehensive Scintillating Science scheme, this unit includes lesson plans, interactive teaching slides, differentiated worksheets, practical investigations and assessment materials to support confident Year 1 science teaching.

Looking for the full Year 1 science curriculum?

Visit our main Year 1 science page to explore curriculum coverage, progression and long-term planning.

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View lesson overview and curriculum coverage

Lessons in this unit

  • Identifying common animals
  • Comparing mammals
  • Finding animals in the local environment
  • Classifying herbivores, carnivores and omnivores
  • Exploring animal diets and making bird feeders
  • Testing animal ears

National Curriculum objectives

Animals including humans

  • Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
  • Describe and compare the structure of a variety of common animals (including pets)
  • Identify and name a variety of common animals that are herbivores, carnivores and omnivores

Working scientifically

  • Observing closely, using simple equipment
  • Performing simple tests
  • Identifying and classifying
  • Gathering and recording data to help answer questions

What this Year 1 common animals unit covers

This Year 1 science unit helps pupils develop understanding of animal groups, diets and structures through practical exploration and scientific enquiry. Pupils investigate similarities and differences between animals while learning how scientists identify and classify living things.

Lessons encourage pupils to observe animals closely, explore local habitats and discuss how animals survive and behave in different environments. Through practical activities and simple investigations, pupils begin using scientific vocabulary confidently while developing skills in classification, observation and data collection.

The unit supports progression in working scientifically skills by encouraging pupils to ask questions, identify patterns and gather evidence through first-hand experiences and discussion.

What’s included?

  • Six fully planned science lessons
  • Interactive teaching slides for whole-class teaching
  • Differentiated worksheets and practical investigation activities
  • Knowledge organiser with key scientific vocabulary
  • Hands-on activities linked to animal groups and classification
  • Assessment materials to support tracking pupil progress

This unit forms part of our wider Scintillating Science scheme, supporting progression from EYFS science through to KS1 science.