KS2 Year 3/4 Science – Living Things and Their Habitats

The course normally runs 10am – 2.30pm. There will be an approx. 30 min lunch slot, the timing will depend on the final agreed course programme.

Pre visit/prior learning

• No prior knowledge is required to attend this day.
• Optional – What a habitat is. Different types of habitats and what you might find there.

Welcome and Introduction

• An overview of the day. What are habitats? What living things might we find there? Vertebrates and invertebrates and how we group invertebrates.

Morning Session- Habitat 1

• Children will collect invertebrates from one of the habitats below using a range of suitable equipment.
  - In the woodland, under a log and leaves
  - From the meadow using sweep nets and by shaking vegetation
  - From the pond using pond nets
• Using simple classification keys, they will identify the invertebrates.
• We will identify producers, predators, and prey and create a food chain.
• We will consider how the habitat grows through the year and how we can look after and/or create the habitat.

Afternoon Session – Habitat 2

• Children will collect invertebrates from a second of the habitats below using a range of suitable equipment.
  - In the woodland, under log and leaves
  - From the meadow using sweep nets and by shaking vegetation
  - From the pond using pond nets
• Using simple classification keys, they will identify the invertebrates.
• We will identify producers, predators, and prey and create a food chain.
• We will consider how the habitat grows through the year and how we can look after and/or create the habitat.

Plenary

• Review of day, what we have found and the differences in the habitats, how we can protect them.

Depart

Future learning/follow up

• Comparing animals and plants in their local environment with other plants and animals around the world

Habitats Available:

Amersham - Woodland/Grassland/Ponds
Bishops Wood - Woodland/Meadows/Ponds
Birmingham Parks - Woodland/Grassland/Ponds
Epping Forest - Woodland/Meadows/Ponds
London: Bushy Park - Meadows/Ponds
London: Greenwich Park - Woodland/Meadows/Ponds
London: Regent’s Park - Woodland/Meadows
London: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - due to construction works these will vary
London: Beckenham Place Park - Woodland/Meadows

Key Stage 2 Science, Living things and their 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.

Animals, including humans

• Construct and interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey.

• Develop personal skills
• Have fun
• Be inspired by a passion for the subject
• Build friendships

Customer Information
Details of how to book, terms and conditions, policies and procedures, including risk assessments, can be found on our website here.

Variation
The outline shown is indicative. Whilst we do our best to deliver the agreed programme, we sometimes must change the programme due to for example, weather, access to sites, or staffing issues. Most changes are insignificant and will not affect your trip.

Liaison
This programme is designed to meet the curriculum/specification requirements.
Prior to your visit, one of the Tutors leading your group will be in touch via email. This is an opportunity for us to find out more about the group and to make small adjustments to meet your groups needs.

Tuition
Tuition is delivered by Field Studies Council Tutors, with an expert knowledge of the subject and fieldwork locations, and a passion for the subject being taught. The education team are DBS checked, and undergo regular training including in first aid, water safety and risk assessments.

Transport
There is no requirement for transport during the day. All activities take place on site or within walking distance.

Teaching groups
Your group will be divided into an agreed number of taught groups at the point of booking. This may not match your normal classes. Please subdivide the taught group into subgroups in advance of your visit, discuss with the tutor at liaison how many subgroups are required.

Teachers and supporting adults
The school should provide teachers and support staff, or parents, to meet minimum ratios per teaching group. Teachers and adults are expected to participate and support the student's learning. Teachers are expected to manage behaviour & support group management, and to supervise break and lunch times.

What to bring
A kit list can be found on our website here. Please adjust this based on the weather conditions. Ensure the group bring lunch and plenty to drink.

Clothing and footwear
Appropriate outdoor clothing (and waterproofs) should be worn, taking into account the weather forecast. The group will be outside most of the day, even in wet weather. It is advised that long trousers are worn, even on sunny days due to the presence of ticks. We advise wearing sensible footwear – trainers or walking boots that can get muddy.