The Circle of Life
Key Stage 2; year 5 and 6
Take a journey around Hillier Gardens and discover the wide variety of plants growing here. Be a plant scientist and investigate plants, what they need to grow and how we sort and name them.
- Learning Outcomes
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Year 5 pupils will be able to:
- describe the differences in the life cycles of a mammal, an amphibian, an insect, and a bird
- describe the life process of reproduction in some plants and animals
- become familiar with sexual and asexual reproduction in plants.
Year 6 pupils will be able to:
- give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics
- describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants, and animals
- classify animals into commonly found invertebrates and vertebrates.
- Activities
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A day’s programme does not 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 Butterfly survival game An interactive game to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly. How many will grow from caterpillar to butterfly? Frog survival game An interactive game to learn about the life cycle of a frog. How many will grow from tadpoles to frogs? Minibeasts under logs Explore this fascinating micro-habitat and find out what lurks beneath our logs. Consider how the minibeasts have adapted to suit this environment. Minibeasts in meadows (Summer) Explore the fascinating habitat of our meadows and see how many creatures have made their home there. What adaptations ensure their survival? Pond dipping + life cycle game Explore our freshwater habitat and see what creatures live on and below the surface of the water. Think about who might eat who! - Plants
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Activities Description and learning objectives Decay Game Work as a team to play a game and learn about the decomposition of plants and the recycling of nutrients. Leaf slides Let’s take a closer look at different leaves and compare their similarities and differences. What do the veins do and why do they look different according to different leaf shapes? Light Meters Use scientific equipment to investigate the effect that light has on the growth of plants. Parts of a Flower Dissect a flower and identify the different parts and how they play their part in the reproductive process of plants. Photosynthesis game Play a fun and interactive game to learn all about the interdependence of animals and plants. Ask us about links to climate change. Photosynthesis game Play a fun and interactive game to learn all about the interdependence of animals and plants. Ask us about links to climate change. Plants and their uses enquiry Compare different plants and draw scientific conclusion about their value. Plant Hunters Trail Learn all about the Plant Hunters by playing an interactive game. Seed Dispersal Explore the different ways plants disperse their seeds through a fun group drama activity. Seed Survival Game Play an interactive game to explore the many hazards that seedlings face in their fight for survival! How could you ensure more plants reach maturity? Seed Dynamics & Bee game Learn about the life cycle of a plant and the different plant structures (from roots to petals to seeds again). Tree Dynamics Discover what is going on under the bark of a tree… Learn the different parts of a tree and their functions as we conduct a tree orchestra. - Suggested pre-visit activities
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- Research which species you would find in a garden, fresh water and woodland habitat
- Investigate diets for these different animals.
- Suggested post-visit activities
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- Think about the different habitats that animals choose to live in and how they are getting the right nutrients for what they need
- Create a food chain for some woodland animals. Who is eating who?
- Create a wall display on the life cycle of a plant.
- Make a booking