This unit of work is based on the article ‘Why Do Rattlesnakes Rattle?’ from issue 7 of Animal Planet magazine (included). Pupils will learn how and why the snakes have developed their distinctive rattle. They will cover areas of the science curriculum by investigating the features of reptiles and investigate other vertebrates.
The article is also used to develop comprehension skills and inspire writing, with the opportunity to create written fact files and write their own story based on Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories’ to explain how the snake got its rattle.
During the unit the pupils will classify vertebrates into broad animal groups by observing their characteristics before investigating reptiles in more detail. There is also the opportunity to explore Just So Stories, with pupils writing their own version to describe the characteristics of reptiles. A comprehension activity is included to check pupils’ understanding of the text and to encourage them to retrieve and record information from non-fiction.
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 ‘Why Do Rattlesnakes Rattle?’
Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
Reptile image and question cards
Vertebrate classification cards
Venn diagram worksheets
Question and answer planning sheet
Planning sheet: Just So stories
Themed writing paper
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 https://www.animalplanetmagazine.com/schools
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
Year 3/4
Pupils should plan their writing by
- discussing writing similar to that which they are planning to write in order to understand and learn from its structure, vocabulary and grammar
- discussing and recording ideas
Pupils should draft and write by
- organising paragraphs around a theme
- in narratives, create setting, character and plot
Year 5/6
Pupils should plan their writing by
- identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using other similar writing as models for their own
- noting and developing initial ideas, drawing on reading research where necessary
Pupils should draft and write by
- in narratives, describe settings, characters …
Science
Year 4
Pupils should be taught to recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways.
Year 6
Pupils should be taught to describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common, observable characteristics …