Animal Life Cycle Project: Learn Animal Classification and Life Cycles through a Choice-based Research Project

$3.65

Get your 3rd and 4th graders excited about animal life cycles with this low-prep, print & go science and art project!

Students will explore how animals grow, change, and survive at each stage of their life cycle through a hands-on, creative research activity aligned to NGSS standards 3-LS1-1 and 4-LS1-1.

In this choose-your-own-animal project, students can select from five animal types: mammal (tiger), bird (lovebird), fish (betta), reptile (tokay gecko), and amphibian (frog). They’ll investigate each stage of development — from newborn to adult — while discovering how different animal groups are classified by their structures, behaviors, and adaptations.

Once they’ve completed their research and exploration, students will create an interactive life cycle wheel project that shows how their chosen animal grows and survives in its habitat.

And don’t worry — this flip book is extremely low-prep and student-led. No cutting or assembling for you 😉

Get your 3rd and 4th graders excited about animal life cycles with this low-prep, print & go science and art project!

Students will explore how animals grow, change, and survive at each stage of their life cycle through a hands-on, creative research activity aligned to NGSS standards 3-LS1-1 and 4-LS1-1.

Once they’ve completed their research and exploration, students will create an interactive life cycle wheel project that shows how their chosen animal grows and survives in its habitat.

And don’t worry — this flip book is extremely low-prep and student-led. No cutting or assembling for you 😉

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What’s Included:

Animal Life Cycles/Classification Chart
Life Cycle Research Pages
Life Cycle Research Slides
5 “Choose Your Animal” Circle Project Template
Vocabulary Reference Guide
Independent Student Guide
Teacher’s Guide
Project Explanation

How the Lesson Flows:

Kick off with the life cycles! Study the stages of each animal's life cycle. This project focuses on tiger (mammal), lovebird parrot (bird), betta fish (fish), frog (amphibian), and tokay gecko (reptile) life cycles.
Research & record. Students practice what they've learned with a collaborative Exit Ticket.
Create & construct. After learning about each animal, students choose the animal they like best. Using the circle life cycle project template, students illustrate and label each stage. They lift the flaps to reveal the pictures they drew from their research.
Reflect & display. On the back, students explain how each life cycle stage progresses. Display the finished wheels for a colorful classroom showcase of animal growth and survival!

Perfect for:

NGSS Standards: 3-LS1-1 and 4-LS1-1
Animal classification units
Life cycle reviews
Art-integrated science projects
Independent research or science centers

Join myHow to Teach Science Series for easy ideas, quick tips, and free templates to tackle 3rd and 4th grade NGSS with confidence.

Happy ARTventuring!
— Abbey Allen
ARTventurous Animals

🎨 Clipart by Abbey Allen, ARTventurous Animals

Animal Life Cycle Project: Learn Animal Classification and Life Cycles through a Choice-based Research Project

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