English National Curriculum - Science Science

2. Understand the life cycles of mammals

Mission Objectives

Understand that not all mammals have the same life cycle

Know the 3 types of mammal

Understand what a life cycle is

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

mammary glands

an organ in female mammals where milk is produced

monotreme mammal

a mammal who lays eggs to reproduce

pouch

a small pocket located on the front of marsupial mammals

marsupial

a mammal who carries their young in a pouch on the front of their bodies

placental mammal

a mammal who has live young which develop before birth inside a female mammal

This lesson has been written by

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

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Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Matthew Willsher

Matthew is an experienced and qualified educator, with a background in both classroom and outdoor settings. He is passionate about making learning engaging for all involved and creates content which enhances children’s experiences in education and those delivering it. With a strong belief in the value of education, Matthew recognises the importance of enabling children and adults to access any curriculum content with ease, regardless of their backgrounds. In his spare time, Matthew loves being with family and friends; additionally, he has a keen interest in the performing arts and volunteers time as a voice-over artist.

Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

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Required Resources

Resources: Class presentation and mammal types sorting cards. 

Support Handout (1): A series of statements for the children to cut out and group in order to show the life cycle of a tiger, platypus and wallaby. 

Core Handout (2): Space for the children to draw the life cycle of a tiger, platypus and wallaby, along with another mammal of their choice. 

Stretch Handout (3): Space for the children to choose 3 mammals of their choice and draw their life cycles. Lines are included for the children to record the differences between each mammal. 

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