An introductory session to life in the rockpools. After a safety talk the children are separated into small groups, each with their own ranger, and encouraged to explore the rockpools for the weird and wonderful plants and creatures that live there. The students learn to treat the animals with care and sensitivity by following the ‘rockpool code of conduct', and discover the differences between local habitats by identifying animals and seaweeds. The level of information is adjusted to the group age and capabilities. Relevant subjects that the children have previously covered (i.e. Habitats, food chains, adaptations) can be incorporated into the activity if the ranger is informed before hand. The children can also take part in games and creative activities to illustrate the topic such as the forgetful storyteller, sticky limpets and for the nursery years we have our interactive puppet show about Hermie the Hermit crab.
Time: 1-2hrs Maximum Group size: Depends on ranger availability. Age: 4 yrs upwards; suitable for all Key Stages and Nursery Groups. Suggested day activities: • Seashore Safari - Rockpool Ramble, Shell Hunt, and Beach Art
• Coastal Detectives - Rockpool Ramble followed by Sandy Shores and Shell Hunt.
• The Circle of Life - Passionate about Plankton followed by Rockpool Ramble
Relevant topics from the QCA Schemes of work:
SCIENCE
Primary:
• Unit 2B: Plants and animals in the local environment .
• Unit 2C: Variation.
• Unit 4B: Habitats;
• Unit 5B: Life cycles.
• Unit 6A: Interdependence and Adaptation.
Secondary:
• Unit 7C: Environment and feeding relationships.
• Unit 7D: Variation and Classification.
• Unit 8D: Ecological Relationships.
• Unit 9A: Inheritance and selection.
• Unit 9D: Plants for Food.
