C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Animals of the World·conceptual

Nocturnal Animals

Know that some animals are nocturnal — active at night and sleeping during the day — and that nocturnal animals often have special features like big eyes (owls, tarsiers), large ears (bats, fennec foxes), or sensitive whiskers to help them find food in the dark

Suggested ages 5–7

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Learning journey

Your child is discovering the amazing diversity of animals around the world — learning how they have babies, find shelter, use camouflage, and adapt to different environments from deserts to polar regions.

Evidence of understanding

  • Explains what 'nocturnal' means
  • Names at least 3 nocturnal animals (e.g., owl, bat, fox, hedgehog, moth)
  • Describes one feature that helps a nocturnal animal (e.g., big eyes, echolocation, whiskers)

Assessment prompt

If Nocturnal Animals hears an owl hooting at bedtime, can they explain that owls are nocturnal — meaning they sleep during the day and come out at night — and that their big eyes help them see in the dark?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.