Animals and their Habitats
Learn more about animals and their habitats with this learning resource.
These cards were created in partnership with year 2 pupils at Athelney Primary School in Lewisham.
They explore a range of incredible animals and the ways that their bodies help them to survive in their different and changing habitats.
They were designed to help classes explore the amazing animals on display in our free Natural History Pop Up exhibition, but lots of the ideas and questions could also be used to explore nature in our other Galleries, Gardens and Animal Walk.
Some printed packs of these cards are available in the Natural History Pop-up exhibition, but you may wish to bring your own copy of these cards, or to explore some of the ideas and animals in your classroom.
Images in this pack
Go and find: habitats
We created these cards to help groups of learners explore, but everyone is welcome to use them. They were designed with Year 2 pupils at Athelney Primary School in Lewisham.
How to use these cards
Work in small groups. Take one pack per group. Pick a card and read the questions together. Find the animal and make observations. Share your ideas with others. Please return the pack before you leave.
A nautilus shell
Go and find... a nautilus shell. Habitat: ocean. Did you know: a relative of octopuses, these sea creatures have a hard shell and more than 90 tentacles. How does a nautilus's body help it to survive? What other animals live in the same habitat?
A brightly coloured animal
Go and find... a brightly coloured animal. How many different colours and patterns does it have? What is your favourite colour? Why?
A snowy owl
Go and find... A snowy owl. Habitat: Arctic. Did you know: adult males are almost completely white, but female are white with brown spots. this is probably to help camouflage them on their nests. How does a snowy owl survive in the Arctic? How do you keep warm in the winter?
An animal you like
Go and find... an animal you like. Look carefully. What do you notice? Describe something interesting about the animal.
A koala
Go and find... a koala. Habitat: eucalyptus forests, Australia. Did you know: like kangaroos, koalas are marsupials. Females have special pouches to carry their young. How does a koala's body help it to live in the trees? What dangers do koalas face in their hot, dry forest habitat?
An animal you have never seen before
Go and find... An animal you have never seen before. Which habitat might it live in? Look carefully for clues on its body. does it have anything in common with the koala?
An otter
Go and find... an otter. Habitat: rivers, lakes and along the coast. Did you know: thirteen otter species live in different water habitats around the world, from miniature Asian short-clawed otters to giant river otters the size of a leopard. How do otters survive in rivers or lakes? How do you move in water?
An animal that lives in London
Go and find... An animal that lives in London. Have you ever seen this animal outdoors? What wildlife do you notice around London? How can you help animals in your local area? Explore further... our gardens are full of incredible living plants and animals. How many can you find? How do they survive in their habitats?
