About this session
Key stage 3 | Areas of learning: Science, Biology, Geography | Topic: Biodiversity, Fieldwork | Session Type: Gardens-based
How biodiverse are the gardens of Hillsborough Castle? How does the biodiversity of a made habitat compare to that of a natural one?
Students will explore aspects of Hillsborough Castle's gardens as they uncover semi-natural, natural and made habitats. They will then work together to use a range of survey equipment to collect and record data from two different habitats in the gardens, compare the results, and consider the reasons for any differences or similarities.
Please note that this session does not include access to the house, but takes place entirely in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle.
Learning objectives
Students will:
- Students will learn about biodiversity, food chains, environment, ecosystem and different types of habitats.
- Students will learn how to use a range of survey equipment & how to record and interpret their findings.
- Pupils will learn the meaning of abiotic and biotic factors within this context and be able to suggest examples of both.
- Pupils will learn that a range of survey methods can be used to investigate the distribution of living organisms within a habitat. I.e. Random sampling, belt transect sampling.
- Learn how to conduct a fair test and why it is important.
- Pupils will learn how to compare and contrast two different habitats, analysing reasons for their areas of similarity and difference.
National Curriculum links
This session supports
- Development of enquiry and fieldwork skills using quadrats, keys, anemometers and thermometers.
- Exploration of environmental stewardship and biodiversity.
- Working effectively with others.
Booking Information
Availability
Thursdays only
10.30, 13.00
Duration
90 minutes
Capacity
Up to 30 students
Price
Free