Micro-organisms and interdependence (Y5/6)

Which materials decompose? How long does it take? What causes the change? Investigate decay with hands on, team activities using the wormery, compost tumbler, leaf sacks and mini-composters. How could these resources be used in school?

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the possible causes of decay eg. plants, animals, fungi and bacteria.
• Know that decomposition is an example of an irreversible change.
• Understand that the rate of change differs depending upon the material.

Curriculum links: QCA Sci 6A, 6B

Find out how waste from the farm is recycled and used again! Visit the animals living indoors (usually pigs, but could be cows). What do we mean by waste? Can you see it? Can you smell it?! How does the farmer manage the waste? Where does it go? Follow the journey of waste from animal to land and explore the role of 'waste' in keeping our soils healthy. How do decomposers and microorganisms help?

Learning outcomes:

• know that waste from the farm can be used as a farm fertiliser
• understand that the cycling of waste is an example of sustainable practice

Curriculum links: QCA Science 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

What do we throw away? Sort and classify the many different materials thrown out in our waste each day. Group the materials and decide what you could do with them. What should you do? This quick table top activity works well as an introduction or brainstorming activity to get teams talking and thinking (about) rubbish!

Learning outcomes:

• Recognise and name different types of material including paper, glass, metal, fabric, plastic and organic.
• Understand that some of the materials can be collected and recycled or reused.
• Consider how their own choices and actions at school and home can help to reduce waste.

Curriculum links: QCA

What happens to materials that are buried at landfill sites? Find out by digging up waste from the Centre's very own mini landfill. Before you start, you need to think! What is the waste made from? How will it change in a month? A year? In 7 years? Discuss predictions with your team… then start digging!

Learning outcomes:

• Recognise that domestic waste is made up of a range of different materials.
• Be able to give examples of materials that decay quickly.
• Describe the possible causes of decay eg. plants, animals, fungi and bacteria.
• Know that decomposition is an example of an irreversible change.

Curriculum links: QCA 3

Why do cows make milk? How is milk collected? Find out for yourselves with a visit to our dairy. Milking takes place at 1.30pm each day allowing school groups to watch milking from either the upstairs viewing gallery, or you may be invited into the milking parlour for a closer look and perhaps a touch! Visit the newest calves in their barn but don't forget to give them a stroke.

Learning outcomes:

• describe how milk is collected from the cow during the milking process
• understand that cows produce milk after they have had a calf
• understand that once cleaned and bottled, milk can be part of a healthy diet

Curriculum links: QCA Sci 2A, 3A, 5A, 4A, 5B, 6B

A class set of binocular microscopes allows all pupils to participate. Once pupils have been shown how to use the microscopes, they can view their animal specimens from earlier in the day. Simple ID keys allow pupils to identify their animals. At x10 magnification, pupils can also observe differences and begin to examine the adaptations that animals show to their habitat.

Learning outcomes:

• use keys to identify animals
• sort and group animals by observable features
• that different plants and animals are found in different habitats
• that animals are adated to living in different habitats

Curriculum links: QCA Sci 3B, 4B, 5B, 6A (2A, 2B)

Find out more about the organisms that cause decay including minibeasts, fungi and bacteria. Look in our log piles and leaves. What can you see moving? If you are careful you might be able to catch it! Have you found a decomposer (rotter) or is it a predator waiting for its prey?! Remember, you have disturbed an animal's home… please put it back as you found it.

Learning outcomes:

• that minibeasts, fungi and bacteria can be decomposers (rotters)
• that material that was once living (plants and animals) can be 'recycled' into compost by the processes of decay
• that decay is essential for the cycling of nutrients in a habitat

Curriculum links: QCA 4B, 6A, 6B

Are the soils at Sparsholt Farm the same? Can the farmer change the soils or improve them? Groups of 'soil scientists' visit different parts of the farm to sample the soils. Where is the best place to grow crops? What is a clay soil like? What can be grown there? Samples can be collected for comparison back at school.

Learning outcomes:

• understand that differences between soils can be identified by testing
• compare soils and describe how the soils at Sparsholt are different (to those at school)
• understand that the texture of soil depends upon the mix of rock partices and compost

Curriculum links: QCA Sci 3B, 3D