Naturalist Maria Merian: Life Cycles
UKS2 1 hour clasroom workshop (all year)
Optional 1 hour minibeast hunt (March - November)
Classroom Workshop
This workshop provides pupils with a hands on introduction to the pioneering naturalist Maria Merian, who travelled to South America in 1699 to study the butterfly life cycle.
Pupils will discover:
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The vital work of modern and historical naturalists, in researching and conserving species
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The sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest
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The butterfly life cycle and reproduction
Pupils will take part in demonstrations and discussions, and put their observational skills to the test to complete a sketch in the style of Maria Merian.
Minibeast Hunt
From March - November, add on an extra hour to introduce pupils to the incredible invertebrates found in their own school environment.
Pupils will explore areas of your school grounds, identifying and surveying invertebrates, and discussing how they are adapted to their habitat. This can be tailored to suit the outdoor spaces available at your school, such as:
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Playing fields
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Woodland areas
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Ponds
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Overgrown areas, hedgerows and field edges
This workshop supports key science curriculum topics including living things and their habitats.
All equipment is provided, and additional resources to support curriculum topics will be sent to the school.
This workshop is ideal for focus days / weeks, making curriculum learning memorable, outdoor learning / forest school sessions and 'hook' lessons.