In this topic, your child will learn about the different groups of animals, including humans. They will discover that animals can be sorted into six groups: amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals and reptiles.

The children will explore how animals in these groups are similar and different, looking closely at their body parts and the purposes they serve. They will practise sorting animals into the six groups using their characteristics and complete Carroll diagrams to organise information in different ways.

They will also learn about pets and how to care for them, identifying which group each pet belongs to. Together, the class will create a block graph showing which pets they prefer and use the results to find out which pets are the most and least popular.

The children will learn what different animals eat, using the terms carnivore, herbivore and omnivore. They will look at the features of these animals — such as their teeth and eyes — to understand how they are suited to their diets. They will also complete Venn diagrams to show which animals fit into each group.

As scientists, the children will spend time observing an invertebrate closely, asking questions and researching the answers. They will finish the project by observing earthworms, exploring their body parts, diets and senses, and then comparing them with the other animals they have studied.