Understanding and Enjoying the Outside

A programme designed to develop children's understanding of the British countryside.

The day starts with a taught introduction. Questioning will be used to discover the children's understanding and then this will be built on discussing the animals and plants that are commonly found and how they are interlinked through what they eat. 

Children will rotate around a series of activities in small groups so by the end of the day they will have completed everything. All the equipment to complete the activities will be provided. 

1. Pond dipping - this activity will be lead by the Botanic Garden teacher. The pond is very species rich and all children will have a chance to use a net and see what animals they can find. Identification charts will be provided, suitable for the children's age, so the animals can be named. For years 3/4 life cycles and food chains will be discussed.

2. Minibeast hunting- children will be given a selection of bug pots and identification charts. They will have the opportunity to see what animals they can find and identify.

3. Tree identification - several common British trees trees will be labelled and using special booklets children will identify them and learn more about how they are useful to people and animals.

4. Herbs - children will have the opportunity to look in detail at a selection of common herbs and learn how people use them. 

5. Exploring - children will have the opportunity to explore the other outside areas of the beautiful sixteen acre Botanic Garden.

The day will finish with a taught plenary to draw together what has been learnt during the day.  

• Numbers: We can take one or two classes at one time. (maximum 60)
• Times: 9.30 to 10.00am depending on arrival time to about 2.30pm
• Lunch: Can be eaten outside or inside the classroom
• Cost: Please visit our programme costs page