Which season is best for this activity?
This activity can be done at any time of the year. The session is held outdoors; suitable clothing is required in the winter months. We only work indoors if the weather is exceptionally bad.
Learning objectives and links to the National Curriculum of Study
The session links directly to the National Curriculum Science Programmes of Study (animals, including humans and living things and their habitats) for Key Stage 1 and 2. (https://bit.ly/3GlgU58) . All our sessions are underpinned by detailed lesson plans. These plans are adjusted to take account of the variations in ability and skill level across the Key Stages.
Outline of the Activity
We begin with an introductory discussion and activity about what a mammal is and how we would identify if an animal is a mammal or not.
Divided into three groups, the pupils carry out three practical tasks on the nature trail.
These include;
- looking for signs of animals on our nature trail – identifying mammal tracks.
- looking at the diets of different mammals on our nature trail and identifying whether the animals are herbivores, omnivores or carnivores.
- a mammal discovery trail – learning in more detail about the variety of mammals we have in Uk woodlands.
Ideas for pre-visit learning
Before bringing a group to do this activity, here are a few ideas to help to introduce the subject:
- Which animals might make their homes in Richmond Parks?
- How are animals categorised into different groups?
Ideas for follow-up work back at school
- Choose one of the mammals they have learnt about today and create a fact sheet about it.
- Make mammals from clay/ create a woodland collage.
- Introduce the concept of food chains in relation to the mammals they learnt about today.
The activities kept the children engaged and were of a level where all children could access the activity. Our experience with the booking process and the activities were excellent.
