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. (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 Stage.
Outline of the Activity
We begin with an introductory discussion and activity about what a nocturnal animal is and the types we have living in Richmond Park.
We will take part in activities across our nature trail which will encourage the participants to think about:
- How animals have different sleep cycles.
- The diet of certain nocturnal animals.
- The importance of senses to nocturnal animals’ survival.
- The clues nocturnal animals leave behind.
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 live in Richmond Parks?
- What animals do they think are awake at night?
Ideas for follow-up work back at school
- Choose one of the nocturnal animals they have learnt about today and create a fact sheet about it.
- Make nocturnal animals from clay/ create a woodland collage.
