Discovering Information Reports

• New lesson editor
• Info Reports
• Primary Education
• Age 10

Discovering Information Reports

What do you already know about information reports?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will understand the structure and purpose of information reports, and be able to identify their key features.

What Is an Information Report?

An information report presents facts and details about a specific topic in a clear, organised way.

Why Do We Use Information Reports?

To share knowledge about a topic with others.

Readers who want to learn more about something, like wildlife, historical figures, or sports.

Audience

Purpose

Structure of an Information Report

Most reports include a title, introduction, body paragraphs with facts, and a conclusion.

Example Topics for Year 5

Australian animals, planets in our solar system, the Great Barrier Reef, or famous inventors are all excellent and engaging report topics.

Read a Simple Report Example

Let's look at a short information report about the platypus together.

Reflection and Sharing

What features did you notice in the example? What makes information reports different from stories?

Platypus Information Report

Introduction

The platypus is one of Australia’s most unusual animals. It is a mammal, but unlike most mammals, it lays eggs. Platypuses are found only in freshwater rivers and streams in eastern Australia and Tasmania.

Appearance

A platypus has a flat, paddle-shaped tail, webbed feet, and a soft, waterproof coat of brown fur. Its most famous feature is its bill, which looks like a duck’s beak. Adult platypuses are usually about 40–50 cm long.

Habitat

Platypuses live in burrows dug into the banks of rivers, creeks, and lakes. They prefer clean, slow-moving water with plenty of plants and insects.

Diet

Platypuses are carnivores. They eat insects, worms, and small crustaceans. They use their bill to detect tiny electric signals from their prey underwater.

Life Cycle

Female platypuses lay one to three eggs at a time. The mother keeps the eggs warm by curling around them. After hatching, the babies drink milk from their mother’s skin (platypuses don’t have nipples).

Adaptations

Platypuses have webbed feet for swimming and strong claws for digging. Their thick fur keeps them warm in cold water, and their bill helps them find food even in the dark.

Threats

Platypuses face dangers from habitat loss, pollution, and predators such as foxes and dogs. Climate change and drought can also reduce their food supply.

Interesting Facts

Platypuses are one of only five species of monotremes (egg-laying mammals) in the world.

Males have venomous spurs on their back legs.

They close their eyes, ears, and nose when diving.

Conclusion

The platypus is a fascinating and unique animal that plays an important role in Australia’s ecosystems. Protecting its habitat will help ensure it survives for future generations.

If you’d like, I can also make a shorter, more visual version with headings and bullet points so it’s perfect for a Year 5 classroom poster. Would you like me to prepare that?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.