Habitats and Adaptations

For KS2/3 one/two classes supporting the Science Curriculum. The Habitats & Adaptations programme is a series of activities that explores, compares and contrasts different habitats at the Botanic Garden

1. Tropical rainforest glasshouse- adaptations in plants for low light and excess water

2. Desert glasshouse- adaptations with little water

3. Microhabitats - minibeast hunting and identification

4. Alpine - adaptations in high mountains

4. Woodland- comparing light levels under trees

5. Pond- using nets to find and identify animals

Temperature, light intensity and sound levels are measured using data-loggers to compare the different habitats and the children are given the opportunity to record their findings in a variety of ways. They have an opportunity to do pond dipping and mini-beast hunting and use identification keys.

The programme includes an introduction and a member of our staff to support you throughout the day with pond dipping or another activity if you so choose. You will receive the worksheets for the year group of children you have booked to photocopy. If you need additional harder or easier worksheets for certain children please contact us. 

Teachers who have already taken part in this programme have said how relevant the activities are to the curriculum and how much the children have learnt.

• Availability: March to November
• Age group: KS2 and KS3
• Numbers: Up to two classes per day (70 maximum)
• Duration: A 20-30 minute taught introduction followed by 30 minutes in each of up to six habitats i.e. up to a full day
• Organisation: The children need to be organised in at least three groups for one class and in six small groups for two classes,each accompanied by an adult provided by the school
• Cost: Please visit our programme costs page