Science

Habitats - Woodland/Heathland/Grassland

On a ranger-led guided walk around the park, children will explore up to three habitats, and are encouraged to question why these areas differ. Woodland, grassland and heathland can be explored using a variety of games and activities including tree ID, spotting wildlife, learning about habitats and adaptations, food chains and pyramids. Differences in micro-climate, diversity of species, life processes and specific adaptations to each habitat may also be explored in a fun way.

Ponds and Minibeasts are two of our most popular habitat-study sessions (see descriptions below), which work well as stand-alone sessions as well as in a comparison with each other (or other habitats).

Can be adapted to KS1 (Sc1, 2a, b, f & g, SC2 1b & c; 2a, b & e; 4b; 5a, b & c) or KS2 (SC2 1a & c; 4a & b; 5b & c)

KS1 (Sc1, 2a, b, f & g, Sc2 5a, b & c) & KS2 (Sc1 1a & b, Sc2 4a & b, 5a, b, c, d & e)

Activity length: Variable

Ponds

This popular activity allows children to discover for themselves the huge variety of invertebrates and plant species that live in a freshwater ecosystem. All the necessary equipment is provided and a ranger will be on hand to help the children identify the creatures using a simple key. A variety of activities and games are available in addition to help the children explore further topics such as the fascinating adaptations of pond life to its environment, food chains and why we must look after our environment.

KS1 (Sc1 1, 2a, f & g, Sc2 1a, b & c, 2a, b & e, 4b, 5a, b & c) & KS2 (Sc2 1a & c, 4a, b & c, 5a, b, c, d, e & f)

Activity length: 60-90 minutes.

Minibeasts

Nets, trays and sieves are used to catch invertebrates living in different habitats, such as in trees/hedges/long grass, in leaf litter and under wood.  A simple key is used to help identify the invertebrates caught and their life processes are discussed.  A variety of activities are available for inclusion as part of this session, where further depth of knowledge of topics such as adaptations and food chains can be learnt in a fun way.

KS1 (Sc1 2f, Sc2 1b & c, 2a, b, e & g, 4b, 5a, b & c) & KS2 (Sc2 1c, 4a, b & c, 5a, b & c)

Activity length: 30 – 60 minutes

Other Games and Activities

We have a wide range of science-based games and activities that focus learning on various parts of the curriculum such as food chains, adaptations, habitats, pollination and pollution. These can be easily tailored to suit all ages, abilities and requirements, and are effective at stimulating learning of all ages in a fun and energetic way. Please ask one of our rangers if you require any further information.

Nature Bingo KS1 (Sc2 5a), KS2 (Sc2 5b)

Nut Hunt KS1 (Sc2 5a), KS2 (Sc2 4a, 5b)

Hide Your Nuts KS1 (Sc2 1b & c, 2g, 5a) KS2 (5b)

Smelly Cocktails! KS1 (Sc2 2g; Sc3 1a)

Elf National Park KS1 (Sc1 2f & g)

Colour Matching KS1 (Sc1 2f, Sc2 2g, Sc3 1a & b)

Meet a Tree KS1 (Sc1 2f, Sc2 2g, Sc3 1a)

Sound Mapping KS1 (Sc1 2f & g; Sc2 2g)

Scavenger Hunt KS1 (Sc1 2f, Sc2 2g, Sc3 1a & b)

Worm Charm KS 1 (Sc2 1c, 2b, e & g, 5a & b)

Who am I? KS1 (SC1 2a & b, SC2 2a, 4b, 5a) KS2 (SC1 2b & j, SC2 4b)

Seed Game KS 1 (Sc2 3a) KS2 (Sc 2 3a)

Build a Tree KS1 (Sc 3a, b &c), KS2 (Sc2 3a, b & c)

Pollution game KS2 (SC2 5a, d, & e) KS3 (SC2 5e & F)

Race to the Sun Can be adapted to KS1 (Sc2 3a) or KS2 (Sc2 1b; 3a)

Classroom trail/Scavenger Hunt KS1 (Sc2 1a; 5; Sc3c) or KS2 (Sc2 5b & c)

Caterpillar Game KS1 (Sc2 5) or KS2 (Sc2 5b, c & d)

Woodcutter Game KS1 (Sc2 5) or KS2 (Sc2 5a)

Animal Estate Agents KS1 (SC1 2a & b, SC2 1b & c, 2b & e, 5a, b & c) KS2 (SC2 1a & c, 5a, b, c, & d)

Habitats Game KS2 (Sc1 1a, Sc2 1c & 5b)

Food Web Game KS2 (Sc2 5d & e)

Food Chain Race KS2 (Sc2 5d & e)

Connection Inspection KS2 (Sc 5a, b, d & e)