Amazing Animal Adaptations

• Suitable for Levels 1 & 2 (P2-7)
• 10:15 / 12:45 (2hrs)
• Download the design your own animal resource.

What will my pupils do?

Investigating specimens

Work in groups to complete timed challenges and gather information on animal adaptations that will help pupils design their own specially adapted animal. Feedback the information to the other groups. The challenges are:

• Feeding Frenzy: Explore different types of teeth and think about what animals they have come from, what type of food it eats and how the teeth are used.
• Home Sweet Home: Explore mystery animal specimens, match them to their correct habitat and discover how the animal is adapted to where it lives.
• Predator vs. Prey: Explore mystery animal specimens, discuss which are predators and which are prey, and how each is adapted for survival.

Design your own animal

Using a selection of recycled art materials and collage techniques, pupils will  design and create their own specially-adapted animal , thinking about:

• How will it get to its food? Does it need sharp claws to catch its prey or should it have a long neck to reach high branches?
• How will it move through its environment? Does it need to climb, run fast, fly or breathe underwater?
• How will it hide from or defend itself against predators? Does it need camouflage or horns?

This workshop can be complimented by a visit to our Natural World galleries.

Curriculum areas and key learning outcomes