Science and Environmental Education

National Curriculum
Each of the scientific units encourages pupils to make hypothesis, engage in practical investigations and to reach informed conclusions. Visiting local sites of scientific interest can extend investigation. In addition the Centre offers study opportunities for GCSE and AS levels.

Pond Investigation
Our pond is well established and contains a variety of organisms. There are opportunities for close observation and identification, discovering how creatures are suited to their aquatic environment and finding out about their life cycles and feeding relationships.

pond investigation

Minibeast Trail
This quick introduction to minibeasts gives the pupils the opportunity to visit several different habitats and explore why minibeasts have chosen to live there! Data can be collected whilst in the field and analysed later.

Feeding Relationships
This half day session gives pupils a real chance to have an in depth look at the pond and surrounding area, to use keys and get to grips with food chains. The emphasis here is on pupils making discoveries for themselves through observation, using guides and keys and playing interactive games.


Habitat Comparison
Here the pupils have the opportunity to really explore two habitats, taking a closer look at the minibeasts living there and discovering what makes them so good at it. Life processes and adaptation are reviewed using keys and identification charts.

Meadow Study
This summer term activity allows access to a rich and diverse range of meadow flowers, grasses and minibeasts. Pupils investigate the structure of plants and discover the ingenious ways in which plants attract insects and about the competition between plants themselves. Parts of flowers, life cycles, growth and nutrition are all studied here.

Nature Trail
Our deciduous bluebell woodland has been traditionally managed for hundreds of years. Pupils will find out how coppicing benefits the native plants of a woodland area and why traditional woodland management offers a sustainable way of harvesting wood. The trail introduces the role of leaves, use of keys and takes a look at minibeasts, giving pupils the opportunity to get an overview of the woodland environment whilst enjoying the chance to explore our beautiful wood.

The Life of Trees
Here's an activity that combines numeracy (through tree ageing) with the life processes and structure of trees, finishing off with our dependence on trees…Need we say more?

 
Soil Study
Using soil augers pupils sample types of soil. They then have the opportunity to experiment and investigate, discovering the different properties of soils including particle size, organic content and pH levels.

Soil sampling in our woods

Rock Study
The local geology offers excellent opportunities for collecting, testing and comparing the characteristics of nearby rock forms.