Animals, Birds, Fish and Pets
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 October 2021
Summary
See also: Citizenship – animal rights; Nature
There is no doubt that there's plenty of information about animals, birds, fish and pets to be found from books, magazines and, of course, the internet. To avoid being overwhelmed – and if you are simply wanting factual information on different animals – you could try one of the online encyclopedias, such as The Online Animal Encyclopedia (www.aboutanimals.com). You could also use National Geographic – either www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds for bird pictures and facts or www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish for fish. For information looking at a specific animal in more depth or accompanied by a learning activity, try the suggestions below.
Animals
Information
The Deep: a–Z animals
www.thedeep.co.uk/plan-your-visit/meet-our-animals
Learn about the creatures of The Deep and the habitats they live in.
The Mammal Society
www.mammal.org.uk
Click ‘Discover Mammals’ for a list of all 90 species of mammals in the British Isles.
Then click on the mammal picture for information and a downloadable factsheet.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Learning Zone
www.oum.ox.ac.uk/thezone
Designed for younger children to find facts and information on animals.
YOUNG RSPCA
https://young.rspca.org.uk/kids
This has animal information covering pets, wildlife and farm animals.
Learning resources and activities
Animal habitats
www.abpischools.org.uk/topic/animal-habitats/1/1
A great resource from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry looking at human and animal habitats to explore and consider different environments and the animals that live there.
Bats
www.bats.org.uk/resources
This has great resources for families and teachers looking at bats in the context of wildlife conservation. For teachers and educators, select Education and Outreach Resources, then Resources for Teachers/Youth Leaders. For families, select Bats for All Resource Pack and/or Fun Craft activities. However, families, teachers and educators could use all three for inspiring children to look at bats and the environment. Some of the bat crafts would be great for Halloween activities.
CANAL & River Trust: learning resources
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/resources
This is an excellent learning resource with a wealth of downloadable activities and information. Using the filter, select either Animals or Habitats for activity sheets such as the Water Birds Spotter Sheet. Excellent.
Chester Zoo: learning resources
www.chesterzoo.org/schools/resources
Chester Zoo has over 200 downloadable resources for learning and teaching at home or at school. The extensive range of topics includes: Biodiversity; Climate; Conservation; Endangered Animals and Rainforests, along with many others. Search by age group; curriculum subject; resource type; or topic. Excellent.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Home-School Learning ResourcesA Guide for Home-Educators, Teachers, Parents and Librarians, pp. 3 - 6Publisher: FacetPrint publication year: 2021