If you wanted to take a zoology unit study and condense it into a 4-week study I have got you covered. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.
I have topics broken down to cover different areas each week.
Instead of a boxed curriculum you will need only a notebook and to follow along with what I did in my planning.
For example, I used The Anthology of Intriguing Animals, access to the internet for research and then added a few more good resource books.
You’ll want to create your own zoology notebook. The beauty of doing everything in the notebook is that it is full of your child’s own investigations, experiments, observations, drawings, and notes. It becomes a cherished keepsake.
And it can be used for records, and helps you keep some of the loose paper problems down.
Besides, it can be customized to fit your kids needs, ages, and even their style. Because it is so open ended it can be done with preschoolers right through high school.
ZOOLOGY BOOKS FOR KIDS
First, look at some of these other zoology resources.
8 Resources for Multiple Ages Who Love Learning About Zoology
I have listed curriculum help to fun hands-on manipulatives for little kids to games and books which even older learners will enjoy.
This jungle animal figures set was made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.
THE BEST OF NATURE: Bring the wonder of the great outdoors into your home with the Nature Toob! Including a rabbit, beaver, doe, cardinal, gray wolf, fox, raccoon, black bear, moose, mountain lion, bald eagle, and a bison, this Toob has all kinds of unique animals that fly, hop and saunter!
FUN FACTS: Journey through the Wildlife of North America discovering facts about our continent’s most interesting animals. From Polar Bears to Pronghorns, from Alligators to Bald Eagles, this game is perfect for young nature lovers.
Use Professor Noggin Pets card game as a fun way to learn about animals and as an opportunity to discuss the responsibility of owning a pet.
Books and
A unit study done really well if you want something put together.
For kids interested in Marine Biologist and learning about interesting sea creatures like the Brittle Stars and aquatic mammals like the Fur Seal.
This is a creative research handbook for students ages 8-17 and up who love earning about extinct, endangered, and mysterious animals. This curriculum handbook is designed to help students study each animal using books, videos, internet, encyclopedias, and any other parent-approved learning tool.
Give your students the reinforcement they need with the 128-page comprehensive Biology Workbook for grades 6–12. Designed to aid in the review and practice of biology topics such as matter and atoms, cells, classifying animals, genetics, plant and animal structures, human body systems, and ecological relationships, this book includes realistic diagrams and engaging activities to support practice in all areas of
biology.
We also couldn’t do a zoology study without Nature Anatomy, Ocean Anatomy, and Wildlife Anatomy.
The photos alone are a treasure but they are also full of great information.
Then, look at how we planned each week.
Introduction to Zoology and Classification: Week 1
Vertebrates: Week 2
Invertebrates: Week 3
Animal Habitats and Adaptations: Week 4
INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION: WEEK 1
What is zoology? It is the scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.
History of zoology: Learn about the development of zoology from early observations of the natural world to more formal scientific disciplines.
Highlight key figures and their contributions, and discuss how technological advancements have changed the field. Here is a wonderful list of Zoology Careers.
Animal classification (vertebrates vs. invertebrates): Introduce the division of the animal kingdom into vertebrates (animals with a backbone) and invertebrates (animals without a backbone).
Explore the characteristics of each group and provide examples of each. Discuss the importance of classification systems in organizing and understanding the relationships between different animal species.
Kingdoms of life: Broaden the scope to encompass the five (or sometimes six) kingdoms of life, emphasizing the place of animals within this larger biological framework.
INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION ACTIVITIES
Briefly describe the characteristics of each kingdom (Monera/Bacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia) and discuss the relationships between them.
- Begin a zoology notebook to track everything your child learns, see below for how to put one together easily.
- Create an animal kingdom chart: Include a hands-on activity where learners create a visual representation of the animal kingdom. This could include classifying different animals based on their characteristics and placing them within a hierarchical chart.
- Research famous zoologists: Assign research projects on notable zoologists throughout history. Encourage learners to explore their contributions to the field, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their work on our understanding of animals. Presentations or short reports can be used to share findings.
- Dissect owl pellets:This provides a first hand opportunity for hands-on exploration of animal diets and food webs through the dissection of owl pellets. Explain the process of how owls produce pellets and guide learners in identifying the bones and other remains of prey animals.
- Play Zoology games to increase their exposure to terminology, characteristics, and facts. We love the Professor Noggin line of games even for middle school.
- How to Create a Homeschool Zoology Unit Without a Curriculum and Cute Fox Craft (notebooking pages)
Next, look at vertebrates week.
VERTEBRATES WEEK 2
Mammals: Explore the defining characteristics of mammals, including the presence of fur or hair, mammary glands, and warm-bloodedness. Discuss the diversity of mammalian orders and provide examples of animals in each group, highlighting their unique adaptations and habitats.
Birds: Investigate the features that characterize birds, such as feathers, wings, and the ability to lay hard-shelled eggs. Discuss the adaptations that enable flight and explore the variety of bird species, and their behaviors. Incorporate art projects like this How to Paint a Cardinal Bird With Kids
Reptiles: Examine the characteristics of reptiles, including scales, cold-bloodedness, and egg-laying (though some give birth to live young). Discuss the major groups of reptiles (such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles) and their adaptations to different environments. Make a realistic looking How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft.
Amphibians: Study the unique life cycle of amphibians, which typically involves both aquatic larval and terrestrial adult stages. Discuss their characteristics, such as smooth, moist skin and their dependence on water for reproduction. Explore the different types of amphibians, including frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Fish: Explore the world of fish, aquatic vertebrates with gills and fins. Discuss the different classes of fish (such as jawless fish, cartilaginous fish, and bony fish) and their adaptations to various aquatic environments, including freshwater and saltwater habitats.
VERTEBRATES ACTIVITIES
- Study local birds: Encourage learners to observe and identify birds in their local environment. Provide resources such as field guides and binoculars. Discuss birdwatching techniques and the importance of respecting bird habitats.
- Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests
- Visit zoo’s, farms, aquariums: Organize a field trip to provide opportunities for observing a wide variety of vertebrate species. Encourage learners to take notes, sketch animals, and ask questions about their characteristics and behaviors. Take pictures and use them in their zoology journals.
- Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop
- Create animal fact sheets: Assign research projects on specific vertebrate animals. Learners can gather information on their physical characteristics, habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation status, and present their findings in the form of fact sheets.
- Learn How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum
- Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft
- From Egg to Sea Turtle Nature Unit Study & Lapbook
- Horse Unit Study for Your Horse Loving Kids
INVERTEBRATES WEEK 3
Insects: Explore the most diverse group of animals on Earth – the insects. Discuss their key characteristics, including a three-part body (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, and often wings. Examine the different orders of insects and their adaptations to a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Arachnids: Investigate the characteristics of arachnids, such as spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. Discuss their eight legs and their adaptations for predation and survival. Explore the different types of arachnids and their ecological roles.
Mollusks: Study the diverse phylum of mollusks, which includes snails, slugs, clams, oysters, and squid. Discuss their soft bodies, often protected by a shell, and their various adaptations for feeding, locomotion, and respiration in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.
Crustaceans: Examine the characteristics of crustaceans, such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles. Discuss their hard exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and multiple pairs of appendages. Explore their diverse aquatic habitats and their importance in food webs.
Worms: Investigate the different phyla of worms, including segmented worms (like earthworms), roundworms, and flatworms. Discuss their basic body plans and their diverse roles in soil ecology, parasitism, and aquatic ecosystems.
INVERTEBRATES ACTIVITIES
- Bug hunt in the garden: Organize a “bug hunt” in a garden or natural area. Provide learners with magnifying glasses and containers to collect and observe insects and other small invertebrates. Emphasize the importance of gentle handling and releasing the animals back into their habitat.
- Build an ant farm (optional): Provide instructions and materials for building a simple ant farm to observe the behavior and social organization of ants. Discuss the different castes of ants and their roles within the colony. Ensure ethical treatment of the ants and proper disposal after observation.
- Study different types of shells: Collect or provide a variety of mollusk shells for learners to examine. Discuss the different shapes, sizes, and colors of shells and how they relate to the animals that produced them and their environments.
- Make a pitfall Insect Trap to capture and observe them in your yard.
ANIMAL HABITATS AND ADAPTATIONS WEEK 4
Deserts: Explore the characteristics of desert habitats, including low precipitation, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Discuss the remarkable adaptations of animals that live in deserts, such as nocturnal behavior, water conservation strategies, and specialized physical features.
Younger children will love to learn How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play.
Rainforests: Investigate the characteristics of rainforest habitats, including high rainfall, warm temperatures, and dense vegetation.
Discuss the incredible biodiversity of rainforests and the adaptations of animals that live in these complex ecosystems, such as camouflage, arboreal lifestyles, and specialized diets.
Oceans: Explore the vast and diverse marine environment.
Also, discuss the different zones of the ocean and the unique challenges and adaptations of animals that live in saltwater habitats, including adaptations for buoyancy, pressure tolerance, and different feeding strategies.
ANIMAL HABITATS AND ADAPTATIONS ACTIVITIES
Arctic regions: Examine the characteristics of Arctic and other cold-climate habitats, including low temperatures, ice cover, and seasonal changes in daylight. Discuss the adaptations of animals that live in these harsh environments, such as thick fur or blubber, hibernation, and migration.
Animal adaptations: Focus on the general concept of adaptation – the evolutionary process by which animals develop traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments. Discuss different types of adaptations, including structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations, and provide examples across various animal groups and habitats.
- Create dioramas of different habitats: Engage learners in creating three-dimensional models (dioramas) of different animal habitats. Encourage them to research the specific characteristics of each habitat and the animals that live there, and to use various materials to represent the environment and its inhabitants.
- Research animal camouflage: Assign research projects on animal camouflage as a specific type of adaptation. Learners can explore different forms of camouflage, such as crypsis, mimicry, and disruptive coloration, and provide examples of animals that use these strategies for protection or predation.
- Write a report on an endangered species: Assign research projects on endangered animal species from different habitats.
