Tracks and Traps
Students will explore the reserve looking for evidence of wildlife presence such as droppings, footprints, nests, trails, furs, feathers, nibbled nuts, etc before setting up some small mammal traps or checking those already left out. Students will get to dissect an owl pellet and/or otter spraint (depending on availability) and use microscopes to identify the contents. They will also get to look closely at different skeletons, skulls and taxidermy animals to discuss variation between species and adaptation through natural selection. Suitable for Key stage 3 and 4.
How does this session link to the National Curriculum?
Key Stage 3 - The variation between species and between individuals of the same species means some organisms compete more successfully, which can drive natural selection. Changes in the environment may leave individuals within a species, and some entire species, less well adapted to compete successfully and reproduce, which in turn may lead to extinction.
Key Stage 4 - The characteristics of a living organism are influenced by its genome and its interaction with the environment. The importance of biodiversity and how organisms are interdependent and are adapted to their environment.
Download the session plan here.
If you would like to speak to a member of the Outdoor Learning team, please contact us on 01908 233600 or outdoorlearning@theparkstrust.com.
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