Lesson 2: Being Curious and Asking Questions

Reception science lesson on animal homes

This Reception science lesson on animal homes helps pupils explore how different animals use shelters and habitats to meet their needs. As part of the Different Environments unit, pupils investigate animal homes, compare them with human homes and begin asking simple scientific questions about the natural world.

Through practical activities and discussion, pupils discover how different animals live in different environments and why particular homes are suitable for certain species. Children compare human and animal homes, match animals to their habitats and investigate how birds use natural materials to build nests.

Lesson includes

• Interactive teaching slides with images of animal homes and guided questioning
• Animal home matching cards for discussion and classification activities
• Animal homes and animals photo packs to support observation and comparison
• Bird nest photo pack and nest-building investigation using natural materials
• Drawing and matching activities exploring how animal homes meet different needs
• Complete Reception science lesson plan with assessment opportunities, differentiation and vocabulary support

Explore habitats, shelters and animal needs

This lesson encourages pupils to observe, compare and discuss different types of animal homes. Through practical investigation and creative activities, children develop early scientific enquiry skills while building their understanding of habitats, shelters and living things.

Explore more resources from our Reception Different Environments unit, including lesson packs, assessments and knowledge organisers.

Looking for complete curriculum coverage? Explore our EYFS Science Scheme, which includes lesson packs, assessments, knowledge organisers and teaching resources covering the full Reception science curriculum.