Life in the Undergrowth: Mini-Beasts and Habitats
In this workshop, children will have the opportunity to explore the gardens to learn about a variety of mini-beasts and their habitats. They will learn how to identify/classify a mini-beast, what makes a good/bad habitat and gain an understanding of an insects’ life cycle. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in a mini-beast hunt and/or make a bug hotel (weather dependant). This workshop is hands on, engaging and directly supports several statutory requirements of study in the National Curriculum for Science, Mathematics and PSHE.
Course details
| Theme/Topic: |
‘Life in the Undergrowth’ – Mini-Beasts and Habitats
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| Location: |
Tatton Gardens
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| Length: |
90 minutes
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| Available: |
April, May, June, July & September
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| Age Recommendation: |
Key Stage 1 (5 – 7 years old) & Key Stage 2 (7 – 11 years old)
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| Curriculum Links: |
Science, Mathematics, PSHE
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| Session Plan Produced: |
Feb. 17, Laura Armitage (Learning & Visitor Services Manager)
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Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes
| Aim | Outcome |
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1. To understand how to identify and classify a variety of different mini-beasts
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“Working scientifically” “Identifying and classifying” - Science
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2. To understand the impact of seasonal changes on the natural environment
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“Observe changes across the four seasons” - Science
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3. To understand what a habitat is and why it is a suitable environment (how this can be improved/hindered)
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“Identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited (to the basic needs of the thing living in it)” - Science
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4. To understand the life cycle of different types of insect
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“Introduction to the process of growth and reproduction e.g. caterpillar, pupa, butterfly etc.” - Science
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5. To work together with other children on shared activities
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“Team activities and designation of specific roles” - PSHE
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Group Size:
This programme can accommodate 12-90 children. If you have a larger group, we are happy to discuss a bespoke timetable with you.
Activities:
The programme will be mainly held outside (weather depending), so our team make a final decision about specific activities on the morning of the event. However, the main themes of the workshop are:
- Understanding mini-beasts: identification and classification - what is/is not an insect, counting numbers of legs/wings/eyes etc, understand the basic concept of a life cycle, contextualise life cycle discussion with real examples
- Habitats: what animals is the garden a habitat for, what makes a good/bad habitat, impact of seasons on habitats, why does an animal need a habitat (basic needs for survival), how do habitats differ for different animals (using garden eggs.)
- Group activity (mini-beast hunt or making a bug hotel): mini-beast hunt (ties into theme 1), bug hotel (ties into theme 2), children working as a team to achieve a goal e.g. to find 5 insects, to make a suitable bug hotel, to understand and respond to instructions, to designate roles within a team environment e.g. someone to dig, someone to collect leaves etc.
Our advice is to wear sensible shoes, dress warmly and for the weather. Remember - we will be outdoors for the majority of the workshop!
Booking:
Make an enquiry using our Schools Enquiry form or contact us to discuss your requirements at tattoneducation@cheshireeast.gov.uk / 01625 374428.
Risk Assessment:
Information about risk assessments and our health and safety procedures for this workshop.