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Forests
Recommended Age Group: (ages 7-11) Key Stage 2 / Second level students
Duration: 40-45 minutes
Lesson Overview:
In this engaging and interactive lesson, pupils will explore the fascinating world of forests with WWF and Steve Backshall. They will learn what forests are, the different types found around the world (e.g. tropical, temperate, boreal), and why they are vital for people, animals, and the planet. Pupils will discover the layers of a forest, identify common plants and animals, and understand the importance of conservation.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:
- Identify the key features of a forest ecosystem including forest layers
- Name and describe different types of forests.
- Recognise common forest plants and animals.
- Understand the role forests play in the environment (e.g. oxygen production, habitat, climate regulation).
- Reflect on the value of forests and how humans can help protect forests.
Polar regions
Recommended Age Group: (ages 7-11) Key Stage 2 / Second level students
Duration: 40-45 minutes
Lesson Overview:
In this engaging and interactive lesson, pupils will explore the geography and unique characteristics of the Arctic and Antarctic, and why these areas are vital for people, animals, and the planet. We will identify iconic wildlife of the different regions.
Streaming live from BAS (British Antarctic Survey) headquarters in Cambridge we will explore what it means to go on a polar expedition and show the equipment needed to work in the extreme polar landscape. We will meet the scientists working in the aquarium and discover some of the species that live in the icy waters and find out how they adapt to living in the region. Steve Backshall will share his experience of visiting the region on expeditions and pupils will have a chance to ask him questions to further understand the wonders, realities and importance of protecting these fragile environments.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:
- Compare the Arctic and Antarctic, noting similarities and differences in geography, wildlife, and human presence.
- Recognise common polar animals and how they adapt to extreme conditions.
- Understand the considerations for people living and working in the polar regions.
- Reflect on the value of polar regions and how humans can help protect them from threats such as climate change.