KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block B: Mammals
Learn about common mammals found in the African Savanah, the Australian outback, and about
domestic farm mammals and domestic pet mammals. Learn about their characteristics, needs and life
cycles. Create a class safari park, collages, aboriginal artwork, and much more! Invite visitors to admire
your work from this fantastic block!
This Block provides the opportunity to have Eric Carle as the focus author; build a collection of his books throughout Block
to enjoy with the Class during story times and for chn to read, and then be ready to create a unique Class Book in S12.
Block B: Mammals
[3 strands, each with 4
sessions]
Main outcomes: Science and Geography
Other outcomes: D&T, PHSE and Art
By the end of this block you will
have achieved the following
outcomes:
Children will:
 Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians,
reptiles, birds and mammals.
 Identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores
and omnivores.
 Describe and compare the structure of a variety of common animals (fish,
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, including pets).
 Name and locate the world’s 7 continents and 5 oceans.
 Locate hot and cold areas of the world in relation to the Equator and the North
and South Poles.
 Use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical features – vegetation,
season, weather.
 Use world maps, atlases and globes to identify countries, continents and oceans.
 Design purposeful, functional, appealing products based on design criteria.
 Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing.
 Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks.
 Select from and use a wide range of materials and components.
 Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria.
 Living in the Wider World - importance of respecting + protecting environment.
 Develop a wide range of Art and Design techniques in using colour, pattern,
texture, line, shape, form and space.
Children will:
 Play the game ‘Odd Man Out’ to distinguish between different/ similar features
of mammals living in the African Savannah.
 Locate continent of Africa on world map and identify location and key physical
features of the Savanah.
(African Savannah) Session 1
Odd Man Out
Science and Geography
Play the game ‘Odd Man Out’ to
distinguish between different/
similar features of mammals
living in the African Savannah;
locate continent of Africa on
world map and identify location
and key physical features of the
Savanah.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block B: Mammals
(African Savannah) Session 2
Life Cycles
Science and Geography
Learn 4 characteristics of
mammals; research the life
cycle of the lion and the
elephant and make life cycle
mobiles.
(African Savannah) Session 3
Making Models
Science and D&T
Study body shape and different
features of the lion and
elephant; use practical
techniques, skills to create
imaginative 2D and 3D
representations of the lion and
elephant.
(African Savannah) Session 4
Safari Park
D&T and PHSE
Discuss the role and purpose of
a Safari Park in the UK;
consolidate your learning from
previous sessions as you design
and build spaces and shelters
for African animals.
(Australian Outback) Session 5
Kangaroos and Koalas
Science and Geography
Wear kangaroo masks and
pouches as you research to find
interesting fun facts about other
mammals that make their home
in the Australia Outback.
(Australian Outback) Session 6
Life Cycle Diagrams
Science and Geography
Research the life cycle of focus
mammals, kangaroos/koala and
make life cycle diagrams.
Children will:
 Learn 4 characteristics of mammals.
 Research the life cycle of the lion and the elephant.
 Find out other interesting facts of the lion and the elephant.
 Know the meaning of the terms carnivore\ herbivore\omnivore.
 Know some key physical features of the African Savannah.
Children will:
 Study body shape and different features of the lion and elephant.
 Use practical techniques, skills to create 2D and 3D representations of the lion
and elephant.
Children will:
 Discuss the role and purpose of a Safari Park in the UK.
 Consolidate their learning from previous sessions.
 Design and construct products for a specific purpose.
Children will:
 Identify different/ similar characteristics & features of mammals living in the
Australian Outback.
 Locate the continent of Australia on world map and identify location and key
physical features of the Outback.
Children will:
 Learn 4 characteristics of mammals.
 Research the life cycle of the Kangaroo or another Australian mammal.
 Find out other interesting facts about Australian mammals.
 Know the meaning of the terms carnivore\ herbivore\omnivore.
 Know some key physical features of the Australian Outback.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block B: Mammals
(Australian Outback) Session 7
Outback Enclosure
D&T and PHSE
Use recycled/ reclaimed
materials to construct a shelter
large enough for Australian
animal model to fit inside; work
together to construct new
enclosures for the safari park.
To meet the needs of the
Australian mammals.
(Australian Outback) Session 8
Aboriginal Art
Art and PSHE
Produce a piece of art work in
the style of Aboriginal Art to go
in an Art Gallery for visitors to
the Safari Park.
(Domestic mammals) Session 9
Old MacDonald’s Farm
Science and PSHE
Learn about domestic farm
mammals; write a short
description about the care of a
specific domestic farm mammal;
learn about dairy farming.
(Domestic mammals) Session 10
Pet Corner
Science and PSHE
Learn about the care of pets and
consolidate your learning by
creating a pets’ corner for the
safari park which meets the
needs of our pets.
(Domestic mammals) Session 11
Choose a Mammal!
Science and Art
Look carefully at the structure
and features of common
mammals and consolidate your
learning by representing a
chosen mammal by painting in
the style of Eric Carle.
Children will:
 Design and construct products for a specific purpose.
 Consolidate their learning from previous sessions.
 Show awareness of the needs of other living creatures.
Children will:
 Produce a piece of art work in the style of Aboriginal Art.
 Peer assess their classmates’ work.
 Learn about the Aboriginal people in Australia.
Children will:
 Learn about domestic farm mammals.
 Learn about dairy farming.
 Write a short description about the care of a specific domestic farm mammal.
Children will:
 Learn about the care of pets.
 Ask questions and listen to the answers from a variety of visitors.
 Consolidate their learning.
Children will:
 Present and consolidate their learning.
 Produce artwork in the style of Eric Carle.
 Identify the structure of selected mammals.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block B: Mammals
(Mammals) Session 12
Presentation!
English
Invite adults into classroom to
admire your completed Safari
Park, lion and elephant collages,
Aboriginal artwork, mammal
alphabet and other creative
work and writing completed
during this block.
Children will:
 Consolidate their learning.
 Take part in a presentation/performance.
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Key vocabulary word cards; Copies of odd one out sheets, numbers 2 to 12.
You will need: Plastic model African Savannah mammals; + kangaroo odd one out sheet
enlarged/displayed on IWB for teacher to model; Role play costume for Saint-Saëns (S-S); Non-fiction
books on Africa / Savannah / Animals.
Session 2
Provided: Copies of life cycle images; Copy of ‘The African Savannah’ for teacher to read aloud;
Examples and facts for elephants and lions; Session 1 Word cards.
You will need: Small PE hoops; Blu-tack; Sticky tape; Small whiteboards; Selection of non-fiction books;
Coloured stiff paper + felt tip pens.
Session 3
Provided: Session 3 elephant and calf picture.
You will need: Selection of books by Eric Carle; Books about Africa, savannah, animals both fiction and
non-fiction; Play dough; Animal shape cutters; Tracing paper; Lion coloured paper and tissue paper;
Grey, blue, black, green tissue paper; Firm ‘art’ paper A1 size; Glue; Scissors; Elephant / lion coloured;
Paint + brush; Paper plates; Stiff paper/light card for models; Felt tip pens; Small white boards, pens;
CD ‘Carnival of the Animals’.
Session 4
Provided: Small world ideas.
You will need: Role play safari hats/ pith helmets/ or suitable party hats; You could make ‘Wildlife
Expert’ badges; A3 paper for each child.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block B: Mammals
Session 5
Provided:
You will need: Plastic models from S1 – elephant, lion, kangaroo; Hand puppets - kangaroo + koala;
Card for kangaroo and koala masks; A4 brown envelopes (to make pouch); Non-fiction texts.
Session 6
Provided: Large, cut out curved arrows for life cycle diagram; Illustrations for life cycle of kangaroo;
Fact box examples.
You will need: Selection of non-fiction books to research Australian mammals; Felt tip pens, glue,
scissors; A3 coloured paper.
Session 7
Provided: Photos and labels for Alphabet of mammals – print a selection (‘washing line’ pegs);
Suggestions for alphabet.
You will need: Toy kangaroo with letter (you will need to produce this); ‘Wildlife Expert’ hats and
badges; Flip chart (f/c); Selection of reclaimed/recyclable materials; stiff paper/thin card; Glue, scissors,
felt tip pens, crayons, colouring pencils; Small plastic bags, dried pasta, card to make ‘bag Roos’; Plastic
models of Australian mammals; Play dough in assortment of colours; Construction kits; Small world
play resources; Binoculars, pith helmets, other role play ‘jungle’ resources; A selection of non-fiction
books regarding Australia; Card for writing labels.
Session 8
Provided:
You will need: Artefacts / images of Aboriginal Art; Templates of Australian mammals (created by
cutting out pictures from previous sessions); Art paper and comment cards; Cotton buds & paint
brushes; A selection of different sized tools with round ends, such as pencils, clay tools, wooden
cylinders (bricks); A selection of paint in ‘earth colours’.
Session 9
Provided: Images of farm animals.
You will need: Kangaroo and Koala soft toy/puppet (K&K); Toy farm; Paper and colouring pencils; Card
cut into hay sheaf shape; Non-fiction books – farms and farm animals; Letters to go home, inviting pets
into school.
Session 10
Provided:
You will need: Flip chart (f/c) or IWB; Pre-arranged visits of owners and their pets; Small world pets +
accessories; Construction kits; Role play items for ice cream kiosk, shop, café, Vet’s surgery, Pet Shop;
Paint, paper, brushes, pencil crayons, oil pastels, felt tip pens; Mini books for free writing; Selection of
Eric Carle books, information books about pets, fiction featuring pets; For plenary – visit from a
member of staff who doesn’t have a pet and could pretend to be considering having one.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block B: Mammals
Session 11
Provided:
You will need: A selection of Eric Carle books and illustrations, including Brown Bear what do you see;
Paint, brushes, paper, pencils, scissors, stick tape; Information books; Paper for writing fact boxes.
Session 12
Provided: Words for the narrators (adapt for 1 to 8 people as suitable for your circumstances).
You will need: Items created during the Block – elephant, lion, kangaroo and koala masks; Life cycles;
Art work from S11; CD Carnival of the Animals or YouTube clips from previous sessions.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.