Event information
Event type: Workshop
Location: Nature Activity Centre supported by AWS, Nature Discovery Garden
Suitable for: KS2 and KS3 (ages 7-14)
Capacity: 35 pupils
Duration: 45 minutes
Ticket prices: £3 per pupil
Booking required by phone
Biodiversity in Action
In this practical science session, pupils will learn how to classify insects by using a key and microscopes to sort real insect samples.
Pupils will then apply what they’ve learned to determine how biodiversity is affecting a farm and think through solutions to an ecological problem.
Workshop rundown
- Introduction to insects and their importance to humans.
- Introduction to a problem facing a farmer which could lead to the farmer losing part of their livelihood or lead to more expensive fruit in shops.
- Classifying insects and sorting real samples.
- Interpret samples to explore the problem and the ecology on the farm.
- Apply what has been learned to think through solutions to the farmer’s problem.
Curriculum links
Key Stage 2
Working scientifically
- Asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.
- Setting up simple practical enquiries.
- Reporting on findings from enquiries.
- Using results to draw simple conclusions.
- Using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.
Year 4
Living things and the habitats
- Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways.
- Explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment.
- Recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things.
Year 6
Working scientifically
- Planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
- Taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
- Using test results to make predictions.
Living things and their habitats
- Living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics.
- Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.
Key Stage 3
Working scientifically
Experimental skills and investigations
- Make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding.
- Use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety.
Analysis and evaluation
- Interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions.
- Evaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error.
Biology
- The interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and insect pollinated crops
- How organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment
- The importance of maintaining biodiversity.
Geography
Human and physical geography
- How human and physical processes interact to influence environments.
- How human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems.
What teachers say
“Thinking scientifically and hypothesis testing are all there. The real world context of the scenario is fantastic. And the microscopes are a real wow that the students don’t really get to use much at school.”
Visit our new gardens
Our gardens follow the story of how life on Earth has changed over time, from the days of the dinosaurs through to today.
Open daily
Workshop suitability and capacity
This workshop is suitable for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 (ages 7-14).
The maximum capacity per workshop is 35 pupils. Bookings must be for a minimum of 15 pupils.
Workshop dates and times
The workshop runs at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm on selected weekdays. The duration is 45 minutes.
All shows must be prebooked by phone. To explore individual timeslots for days, please view the availability calendar linked below.
Please note any session must be booked at least three weeks in advance.
View calendar
To view all school sessions please open the availabilty calendar.
How to book
To confirm dates and times are available, and to make a booking, please read our essential information page, then phone the bookings team.
