Animal Antics

Key Stage 1; year 1

Take a journey around our Gardens and discover through observation, hands-on activities and role play how our animals, large and small, have made their home here. Find out where they live, what they eat, what eats them!

Learning Outcomes

Pupils will be able to:

  • Identify and name a variety of common animals including amphibians, birds and mammals
  • Identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores
  • Have opportunities to learn the names of the main body parts
  • Work scientifically by using observations to compare and group animals according to what they eat for example.
Activities

A day’s programme does not necessarily include all the listed activities and can be adapted to suit individual needs and requirements. Normally we fit in four to five activities during your visit.

Activities Description and learning objectives
Animal homes Who lives in a house like this? Design and create a home for a woodland creature. What would it need to keep safe and cosy?
Bird’s breakfast Collect and identify a variety of fruits and seeds suitable for a bird’s breakfast.
Butterfly survival Learn about the life-cycle of a butterfly by playing an interactive game.
Frog survival Learn about the life-cycle of a frog by playing an interactive game.
Minibeasts (under logs) What minibeasts lurk beneath the logs? Get up and close with our wriggly and slimy friends.
Minibeasts (meadows-seasonal) Explore the rich diversity of insects and meadow creatures in our Gardens. Will you be quick enough to catch them with our sweep nets?
Pond dipping Explore our watery habitat and see what creatures live on and below the surface of the water. You’ll be surprised just how much variety of aquatic life there is to find.
Un-nature trail What’s the best way to keep yourself safe from predators? Camouflage of course! See how many unusual objects you can find hidden in our undergrowth.

Prefer a day with some cross-curricular activities? Take a look at our other Year 1 programmes and we’ll plan the day accordingly.

Suggested pre-visit activities
  • Research what kinds of animals you would find in a garden, watery and woodland habitat
  • Find out what homes they live in to keep themselves safe.
Suggested post-visit activities
  • Imagine you are an Estate Agent and are selling a woodland home for a woodland animal. What are the key features and benefits?
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