Key Stage 3
The following talks are suitable for 9-14 year olds.
Creepy Crawlies
What’s it all about?
Pupils will discover the weird and wonderful world of Invertebrates. Love them or loath them; these creatures are the most abundant on our planet and play an essential role in keeping the place clean.
Pupils look at the eight main invertebrate groups and then focus their studies on the more accessible terrestrial creatures. Classification of these groups is investigated and pupils learn how these minibeast underdogs have adapted to life in the shadow of their larger competitors.
Things to find out...
- What is an Invertebrate?
- Which type of invertebrate is the most common?
- What type of creepy crawlies can be found living on our bodies?
Feeling brave?
This session has the option of an animal handling finale for those who want to get that little bit closer. This option will not be for everyone and some may want to observe Blue Planet Aquarium’s creepy friends from a distance. The handling option can be discussed and arranged with the Education manager at the time of booking.
Animal Adaptions
What’s it all about?
We discuss how Planet Earth is an extremely diverse place which is home to many varieties of Plant and Animal life. We discover that it has many different habitats, both on land and in the surrounding waters.
A problem solving activity using four well known land habitats enables us to identify geographical locations. We then look at their inhabitants and explore the changes they have had to make to adjust to the various environments.
The next activity dives into the waters and explores ways in which fish have adapted to live in their sub aqua habitats.
Things to find out...
- Why does a Camel have long eyelashes?
- Why does a jaguar have a patterned coat?
- How does an Owl adapt to the cold weather?
This is an excellent opportunity for children to really open their minds and develop views and ideas on what adaptations are all about.
Pollution
What’s it all about?
The importance of water is discussed and we look at its uses in every day life. We realise that sometimes we take our water for granted. A group activity encourages investigative ideas and children look at the threats facing our waters and possible solutions and remedies.
Our findings are discussed and we move on to a further activity looking at something we can all do something about...... Litter. Working in groups we study bags of litter (all cleaned) and try to work out just how long it lasts. Some surprising results are discovered and we reflect on the amount of litter we produce.
Things to find out...
- What are the “Three R’s”?
- What do experts consider the greatest threat to our Seas and Oceans?
- How much of the Earth’s surface is covered by water?
This thought provoking session is good for a wide range of ages