Minibeasts and habitats

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)

How many different types of animals live in a habitat? How healthy is the habitat? Try out a number of different sampling methods to collect land minibeasts. Pupils learn how to sample effectively and safely (for them and the habitat) using pooters, pitfalls, beat trays and sweep nets! Discover how you can make your own sampling gear to try out at school or home. During the activity, sustainable practice is demonstrated through careful sampling of the habitat and gentle handling of minibeasts, including their safe return to the habitat!
Whilst outdoors, pupils use simple keys to identify the animals before possibly choosing their favourites to take back to the Centre to find out more about.

Learning outcomes:

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

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

Pond dip at a mature pond or our lake/reedbed areas. Pupils learn how to sample effectively and safely – for them and the habitat! Care of the habitat is a key component of the work. Pupils use simple keys to identify the animals before possibly choosing their favourites to take back to the Centre to find out more about.

Learning outcomes:

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

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

Become an expert on one of the animals that you caught earlier in the day. Observe it carefully using the microscopes and then gather more information using websites, CDRoms and display boards. Find out about the animal's lifecycle and food choices! Complete a 'Wildlife Passport' to take back to school.

Learning outcomes:

• understand that different animals are adapted to living in different habitats
• sequence a simple food chain for an animal

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

Find out how shape, pattern and colour help animals hide in their habitats. Play the 'wooly worm' game to find out which colour works best. Look at the experts, moths, to see how they have mastered disguise! Pupils can then match the animal to the background before setting it free!

Learning outcomes:

• understand that camoflage is an adaptation show by some animals
• give examples of animals that are able to camouflage themselves

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

A variety of games are available covering land and water habitats. Pupils become an animal from the food chain and then hunt their prey! Has everyone eaten? What will happen if the plants are removed from the habitat? What if the water is polluted? Lots of different events can be acted out all of them aimed at helping pupils to understand the interactions and interdependence of food chains.

Learning outcomes:

• identify animals which are predators and prey in a food chain
• use appropriate language to describe feedig relationships eg carnivore, herbivore, decomposer
• describe what a particular animal eats and where its food can be found
• sequence a simple food chain for one particular habitat

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