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When Whales Walked the Earth: KS2 Comprehension and Writing Activities Pack with Worksheets

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These activities are based on the article ‘When Whales Walked the Earth’ in issue seventeen of Animal Planet magazine (included). There are opportunities to develop comprehension and writing skills using the resources provided.

Pupils will explore how whales have evolved from the Ambulocetus, a creature from around 50 million years ago, comparing the two creatures and learning why the animal may have evolved in this way. They will then look at how other animals have evolved over time, writing their own magazine article in a similar style to the one from Animal Planet magazine.

Teachers’ notes are included for each of the activities, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.

This resource pack includes:

  • Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘When Whales Walked the Earth’
  • Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
  • ‘Exploring a Blue Whale’s skeleton’ worksheet
  • ‘Animal Ancestors’ images
  • ‘Animal Ancestors’ research sheet
  • Planning sheet
  • Themed writing paper
  • Teaching notes

What is Animal Planet magazine?

This pack has been created in association with Animal Planet magazine, which fuels curious minds, helps children make sense of the world and sparks joy on every page.

To find out more, and register your interest in a school subscription, visit the Animal Planet magazine website.

National Curriculum Programme of Study Links

READING

Pupils should develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by listening to and discussing a wide range of ... non-fiction
Pupils should understand what they read by
- checking that the text makes sense to them, discussing their understanding and exploring the meaning of words in context.
- asking questions to improve their understanding of the text.
Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction.

WRITING

Pupils should plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas (years 5 and 6 also by drawing on research where necessary)
Pupils should draft and write by - organising paragraphs around a theme - identifying the audience and purpose for writing, selecting the appropriate form

SCIENCE - YEAR 3

Pupils should be taught to identify that humans and some other animals have skeletons and muscles for support, protection and movement.

SCIENCE - YEAR 6

Pupils should be taught to identify how plants and animals are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.



  • Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘When Whales Walked the Earth’
  • Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
  • ‘Exploring a Blue Whale’s skeleton’ worksheet
  • ‘Animal Ancestors’ images
  • ‘Animal Ancestors’ research sheet
  • Planning sheet
  • Themed writing paper
  • Teacher notes
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