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.