Mammals can be carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores. They also appear at every level of the food web. But… what is a mammal?! Let’s find out!

In our Meet the Mammals Family Unit Study, we find out what makes a mammal a mammal, and learn all about some very interesting mammals—including bats, whales, and the platypus!

Keep reading to see the 10 topics that we explore in this unit study, along with an example of an activity that goes along with each topic.

What is a Family Unit Study?

But first… what exactly is a Family Unit Study?

This unit study, like all of our ever-growing library of unit studies, takes one big theme—Mammals—and breaks it down into ten manageable, bite-sized learning topics. This format gives you the freedom to dive into learning at a pace that works for your family. Perhaps you do one topic per day, perhaps one per week. Whatever suits your fancy! You can learn about mammals and explore a topic from start to finish in about 1-2 hours each.

Dive in and watch the sparks of wonder ignite. Watch the child-led learning take off. Watch what happens when children are engaged in what they are learning!

Each of the 10 topics includes:

• an interesting fact,
• a discussion question,
• informative information,
• a curated YouTube video,
• a recommended book,
• a math or literacy enrichment question (with three difficulty levels),
• and an ultimate-can’t-be-beat hands-on activity!

Plus, all subjects are covered across the 10 topics! Geography, History, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, Health, Literacy, and Math.

When everything connects across subjects, learning just makes more sense. Kids remember more, understand better, and actually enjoy the process. It’s the kind of learning that really sticks.

All ages. All subjects. One coursebook. 🙌

Before we jump into all things mammals, I wanted to share a little something to make your homeschool days just a bit easier (because we all need that, right?).

Our Mini Homeschool Toolbox is a simple, go-to resource filled with helpful printables—like math charts, number lines, and writing supports—to keep your days organized and your lessons running smoothly.

It’s completely free and so handy to have on hand as you move through your homeschool routine. Simply enter your email address below, and a copy will be instantly delivered to your inbox.

Meet the Mammals Family Unit Study

Now, let’s take a closer look at what’s included in the Meet the Mammals Family Unit Study! Below, you’ll find the 10 topics we explore, along with some activities that bring each topic to life.

Topic #1: Animal Taxonomy

Have you ever wondered how on earth scientists keep track of all the different animals out there? It can feel a little overwhelming, but that’s where animal taxonomy comes in! In this topic, you will explore how animals are grouped by their similarities, and how Carl Linnaeus created a system that helps us name and organize every living thing in a simple, structured way. Then you will use what you have learned to place mammals on a world map while labeling them with their classification, bringing taxonomy to life in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Topic #2: What is a Mammal?

Have you ever stopped to think about what actually makes an animal a mammal? In this topic, you will explore the special traits that mammals share so you can start recognizing them in the world around you. And then it’s time to make a “Is it a Mammal?” cootie catcher. Guess and discover which animals are mammals while learning interesting facts along the way!

Topic #3: Types of Mammals

Did you know that not all mammals are born the same way? Discover the three main types of mammals and find out how each group brings their babies into the world in its own unique way. As you learn, you’ll pause to wonder together why some mammals lay eggs while others give birth to live young, sparking curiosity and deeper thinking about how animals grow and survive.

Topic #4: How do Mammals Hear?

Have you ever wondered how mammals hear all the sounds around them, from soft whispers to loud noises? Discover how sound travels through the ear and how specialized parts inside help convert those vibrations into signals the brain can understand. Next, listen to music and explore how different sounds and pitches change, using a fun listening map to follow along with the song.

Topic #5: Bears

How do bears make it through those long, cold winter months? Even though they’re mammals and can regulate their body temperature, bears prepare in a special way, building up fat and finding shelter so they can rest safely all winter long. For this hands-on activity, you will design and build a bear den!

Topic #6: Elephants

Elephants are truly incredible animals. It’s no surprise they’re the largest land mammals on Earth! In this topic, you will learn about three different types of elephants and take a closer look at their most recognizable features, like their long trunks and tusks, and what makes them so useful. After, you’ll create a really cool mixed media elephant using newspaper and art materials!

Topic #7: All About the Platypus

Did you know that platypuses don’t have stomachs? Instead, they have a gullet that connects directly to their intestines. And did you know that while bats use echolocation, platypuses use electrolocation? A platypus’ bill is so sensitive that it allows them to detect the electric fields generated by all living things. In fact, it is so sensitive that a platypus can hunt without using its eyes, ears, or nose! For this activity, we’re going to learn all about these amazing animals and fill out our Platypus Poster with tons of fascinating facts.

Topic #8: All About Bats

Bats are such interesting little creatures! Learn what makes bats unique, including how they use echolocation and the important role they play in our ecosystems. As you learn, you will also get creative by writing a short poem from the perspective of a bat, imagining what it sees, hears, and feels.

Topic #9: All About Whales

Whales are some of the most amazing mammals in the ocean, and they are perfectly designed for life in the water! Explore what makes whales unique, from their enormous size to the special features that help them swim, breathe, and stay warm in the ocean. For the hands-on activity, your child will create a beautiful wax resist watercolor whale and explore where whales live by locating different oceans around the world.

Topic #10: Jane Goodall and Endangered Species

Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees completely changed the way we understand animals and their connection to humans. Her story is so inspiring to share with kids! In this topic, you will learn about Jane Goodall’s discoveries and learn why protecting endangered animals and their habitats is so important. Finally, a research project about an endangered species of your choice wraps up this unit study!

And there you have it. The ten bite-sized learning topics that make up our great big Meet the Mammals Unit Study! I hope you will pop over to check out a sample and consider purchasing it for you and yours.

Get Meet the Mammals in the How Wee Learn Shop!

https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-meet-the-mammals

Thank you so much for reading!

xo
Sarah