This comprehensive pack combines our popular Nature Journal with hands-on activities and creative projects that help Key Stage 1 learners discover the characteristics of mammals. Perfect for Year 1 children, this resource explores mammal structure, diet, and diversity through observation, art, and investigation.
Included Resources +
This pack includes five activity sheets with accompanying lesson plans and a Nature Journal for recording mammal observations, discoveries, and artwork.
• Nature Journal — interactive notebook for recording mammal observations, discoveries, and artwork
• Mammals Poster — visual reference showing different types of mammals and their features
• Label The Mammal — learn about mammal body parts and structure
• Mammal Diets — discover what different mammals eat and how they find food
• Mammal Fur Patterns — explore the diverse patterns and textures of mammal fur through art
Key Details +
• Year Group: Year 1 (ages 5–6)
• Key Stage: KS1
• Subject: Science
• Resource Type: Activity Sheets + Lesson Plans + Nature Journal
• Format: Instant PDF Download
• Number of Activities: 5
Curriculum Alignment +
Aligned to the Year 1 Science National Curriculum. Covers animals including humans — identifying and naming a variety of common animals including mammals, describing and comparing the structure of a variety of common animals, and identifying and classifying animals by what they eat (carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores). Builds understanding that humans are mammals too, supporting children's sense of themselves within the animal kingdom. Cross-curricular links to Art & Design (Mammal Fur Patterns — exploring pattern, texture, and colour) and scientific drawing and recording through the Nature Journal.
Teaching Tips +
Mammal Fur Patterns is the standout art activity — use wax resist, sponging, or printing techniques to recreate the patterns of zebras, leopards, giraffes, and tigers. A great discussion starter is asking children whether they are mammals — the "humans are mammals too" reveal is always a memorable moment. Mammal Diets works well as a sorting activity using picture cards before children record in their Nature Journals. The Mammals Poster works best displayed as a classroom reference throughout the unit and can be used as a prompt during Nature Journal sessions. This pack pairs naturally with the Year 1 Birds, Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles packs for a full animals topic unit.
