Life Cycles
EYFS, KS 1, 2. Early Years, First, Second Stage.
Ages 3 - 11
DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins
OVERVIEW: This workshop uses ZooLab animals to discuss new life, growth, reproduction and ageing as we follow several different animal life cycles.
Designed to complement the curriculum topics of Animals, including humans and Living things and their habitats, our workshop has a particular focus on living things, including plants, need to reproduce to survive
Some key concepts are introduced, including ‘metamorphosis’, ‘parthenogenesis’, ‘oviparous’, ‘viviparous’ and ‘hibernation’.
Learning Outcomes
All children will understand that animals have babies, which grow into adults.
Most children will understand that lifecycles vary between animals and be able to explain some.
Some children will be able to explain that reproduction produces offspring and these offspring usually vary from their parents.
You'll get to meet some of these animals:
Coming Autumn 2025:
Free pre-lesson resources and teaching packs!
"The Ranger aimed the workshop at the correct level for the age of the children. The animals were great, and the children loved seeing them up close and in a safe way.”
Sidney Stringer Primary School
What is a life cycle?
A life cycle is defined as the developmental stages that occur during an organism’s lifetime. In general, the life cycles of plants and animals have three basic stages including a fertilized egg or seed, immature juvenile, and adult. Some organisms, however, may have more than 3 life cycle stages.
Butterflies begin as something completely different! As they grow, they undergo a transformation, known as a "metamorphosis".
Frogs and toads also undergo an astonishing metamorphosis! They grow from jelly-like eggs into wriggling tadpoles, and finally grow legs! How does this metamorphosis work? Let's have a look at each stage in turn and work out the similarities and differences.
Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales
Curriculum Outcomes Scotland
