Introduction:

Set within the 100 acre grounds of Marwell Zoological Park, our purpose built Education Centre is the ideal place to discover about animals, their habitats and their conservation. A wide range of 40 minute sessions are offered, with interactive and hands on opportunities in all sessions. We cater for students from Reception class through to ‘A’ level and can provide day courses for GCSE and ‘A’ level / AVCE studies.

For special needs groups we can offer some Makaton signing and offer a range of talks from P levels upwards.

A wide range of resources designed for the different Keystages are also available. These can be used at the zoo or as pre or post visit work. All students attending a session receive a booklet relating to their topic of study.

Subjects available:

ADAPTATION TO HABITAT (KS2) HOMES & HABITATS (KS1)

Looking at what animals need to survive in their environment and how they are adapted to achieve this. Using live animals, customs goods and sometimes slides to find clues as to how the animals survive in the wild.

OURSELVES AND OTHERANIMALS (KS1 & KS2)

What do ALL animals do (including humans) ie. grow, eat, move, have babies, use senses etc. Real animals are used to talk about how these things are done differently by a variety of animals.

MOVEMENT (KS1 & KS2)

A lively and interactive session using the children themselves to demonstrate the different ways humans can move. We will think about how and why other animals move and the children will be able to study the movements of live animals in the classroom.

CONSERVATION (KS1 &KS2)

Many of the animals are at the zoo because they are endangered. We will talk about the reasons why animals are becoming rare and extinct. Using props and live animals we will think about what we as individuals can do to help the animals.

COLOUR AND MARKINGS (KS1 & KS2)

Thinking about the reasons for different animal markings. Looking at slides and live animals to find clues as to how the animals survive in the wild.

TROPICAL RAINFOREST (KS1 & KS2)

What is a tropical forest like? In which area of the rainforest do the different kinds of animals live, and how are they adapted to survive there? What happens to these animals when their rainforest is destroyed?

CARING FOR ANIMALS (KS1)

What do animals need? Water, food, shelter etc. Where do they find these things in the wild, in the zoo, and as pets?

FOOD AND FEEDING (KS1 & KS2)

We talk about carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Think about teeth, position of eyes etc. How are the animals adapted to get their food, and to prevent themselves from becoming somebody else’s lunch? Uses live animals and skulls.

SNOW CATS DRAMA (KS2)

A role play drama based on snow leopards in their natural habitat. Pupils act out specific roles of Nepalese villagers, freeze frame and follow up with a discussion on conservation issues.

ENCLOSURE DESIGN (KS3 & KS4)

Things that we need to consider - how we care for our animal’s welfare, keeper needs and the visitors needs. Could be based on an animal of your choice, or a more general session using slides and looking at the needs of some small live animals.

PREDATOR/PREY (KS3 & KS4)

Looks at examples of predators and prey, the adaptations they have and their place in the food chain. Using skulls and live animals.

OBSERVATIONAL DRAWING (KS3 & KS4)

The chance for students to draw animal skins that have been confiscated from customs, observing patterns, colours, form and function.

EVOLUTION (KS3 & KS4)

Considers natural selection, adaptations, basic evidence for evolution, and variation within a species and how this can lead to new species.

CONSERVATION (KS3 & KS4)

Why Marwell and other zoos exist and what role they play. Discussion of main threats to animals in the wild using live animals and customs goods, and consideration of what we can all do to help.

RAINFORESTS (KS3 & KS4)

Using slides and sounds to summon up a rainforest. Discussion of why rainforests are important, what animals live there and what happens to them when the rainforest is destroyed. Also uses live animals.

RUNNING A ZOO (KS3 & KS4)

What needs to be taken into consideration – animal welfare, employee and visitor needs. The zoo as a business and where money comes from and is spent.

ADAPTATION TO HABITAT (KS3 & KS4)

Looking at what animals need to survive in their environment and how they are adapted to achieve this. Using live animals, customs goods and/or slides to reinforce ideas.

CLASSIFICATION (KS3 & KS4)

Defining invertebrate & vertebrate characteristics. Focusing on sorting vertebrate props into the 5 groups, using live animals and customs goods.

A variety of sessions for vocational GCSE students in Art and Design, Business Studies and Leisure and Tourism are also available.

Please contact us for more details and an information pack.