Biodiversity in Action

a girl using a computer mounted microscope to examine a specimen

Event information

Event type: Workshop

Location: Nature Activity Centre supported by AWS, Nature Discovery Garden

Suitable for: KS2 and KS3 (ages 7-14)

Capacity: 35 pupils

Duration: 45 minutes

Ticket prices:

£3 per pupil
£3.50 per pupil from September

Booking required by phone

In this practical science session, pupils will learn how to classify insects by using a key and microscopes to sort real insect samples.

Pupils will then apply what they’ve learned to determine how biodiversity is affecting a farm and think through solutions to an ecological problem.

Workshop rundown

Introduction to insects and their importance to humans.
Introduction to a problem facing a farmer which could lead to the farmer losing part of their livelihood or lead to more expensive fruit in shops.
Classifying insects and sorting real samples.
Interpret samples to explore the problem and the ecology on the farm.
Apply what has been learned to think through solutions to the farmer’s problem.

Curriculum links

Key Stage 2

Working scientifically

Asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.
Setting up simple practical enquiries.
Reporting on findings from enquiries.
Using results to draw simple conclusions.
Using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.

Year 4

Living things and the habitats

Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways.
Explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment.
Recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things.

Year 6

Working scientifically

Planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
Taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
Using test results to make predictions.

Living things and their habitats

Living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics.
Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.

Key Stage 3

Working scientifically

Experimental skills and investigations

Make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding.
Use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety.

Analysis and evaluation

Interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions.
Evaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error.

Biology

The interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and insect pollinated crops
How organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment
The importance of maintaining biodiversity.

Geography

Human and physical geography

How human and physical processes interact to influence environments.
How human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems.

What teachers say

“Thinking scientifically and hypothesis testing are all there. The real world context of the scenario is fantastic. And the microscopes are a real wow that the students don’t really get to use much at school.”