Discover Nature
Discover Nature Sessions
Discover Nature encourages pupils of all ages to explore the wonders of our natural world. Through observation, handling and investigation using microscopes and binoculars, pupils will become more aware of what’s in their world both close to home and far away. Through visiting Discover Nature, and talking with the Centre’s demonstrators, pupils will be made aware that they all have an active role in protecting our world and preserving it for future generations.
Don’t forget to bring your camera. There are lots of photographic opportunities especially with our full-sized Bengal tiger!
Foundation
Discover Nature activities for our younger visitors are designed to encourage observation and accurate recording. Each young scientist is given a clipboard with two sheets of simple activities. The first has animals from Discover Nature, but what is missing from each? Simple drawing completes the picture. The second sheet has outlines of some of the beautiful butterflies from the drawers in Discover Nature.These outlines must be filled with butterfly patterns as well as the proper colours. We are constantly surprised in Discover Nature by the ability, accuracy and enthusiasm of these younger visitors!
Session length: 45mins Cost: £30
Key Stage 1
Each pupil receives a Discover Nature booklet of curriculum -linked activities which encourage them to observe closely and record accurately. They will work in small groups to investigate camouflage, determine the differences between insects and spiders, look at animals from our town and countryside and handle some of the biggest teeth in the world. The completed booklet can be taken back to school and used for further work. The activities are designed so that the pupils will also have some free exploration time to look at the contents of the drawers, examine minibeasts under the microscope as well as handling mammals, reptiles, fossils, crystals and shells.
Session Length: 45 mins Cost: £30
Key Stage 2
Wow! is what we hear most often in Discover Nature!
Key stage 2 activities consolidate classroom learning about the natural world. However, it is not simple revision, the activity booklet given to each pupil requires them to use their thinking skills to make links between what they have learnt in the classroom, what they observe in Discover Nature and what happens in the real world. At every stage the pupils are encouraged to work in small groups and to handle and touch all the specimens.Do you think they could name a collection of weird invertebrates? All they need is a really good key!
Session length: 45mins Cost: £30
Key Stage 3
In Discover Nature, pupils will use the taxidermy, bones, shells, fossil and arthropod collections to look closely at classification, herbivores, carnivores, camouflage, invertebrates, vertebrates and the use of keys. In addition, they can use binoculars to observe the variety of birds using the Discover Nature bird feeders and complete a ‘beak’ activity.
Each pupil will receive a booklet to guide them through the activities which can be taken back to school for further use in class.
Session length: 45 mins Cost: £30
Art in Discover Nature
For centuries nature has inspired artists, designers and photographers.
Discover Nature presents a kaleidoscope of patterns, colours and forms. From the opalescent wings of butterflies to the complicated patterns on seashells, from the fine intricacies of birds’ feathers to the geometrical shapes of crystals, all are available for students to draw or photograph.
You can book Discover Nature for the exclusive use of your art class.
Session length: 45mins Cost: £30
Alternatively, students may come outside school hours, at weekends or on school holidays. It is essential to phone ahead if you require butterflies which are not under glass for photography.
Telephone Rosemary Stewart 90440100