Students will explore the exciting range of habitats at Chelsea Physic Garden, including our pond and log pile. They will learn how to identify a variety of plant and animal species and discover how different species have become well suited to unique habitats.  Students will also explore the principle of simple food webs.

Session Outline

Students will be introduced to Chelsea Physic Garden and will then explore habitats around the garden ranging from tropical greenhouses to beehives, compost heaps to a pond.

Students will explore the range of plants and animals living in the garden, talk about what plants and animals need to survive, and identify ways in which they have adapted to their environments.   The session can include a close-up look at creatures in their habitats through pond-dipping or a hunt for compost creatures.  Students will each make a habitat for minibeasts to take back to school.  Sessions can also start a discussion on how humans and climate change may impact on plant and animal habitats.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand what a habitat is
• Recognise features of habitats within the garden
• Discuss how habitats are different around the world
• Identify ways plants and animals have adapted to their habitats
• Develop scientific enquiry skills
• Understand the impact humans can have on plant and animal habitats
• Create a habitat for minibeasts

National Curriculum Links:

Students will be working scientifically during their visit with lots of opportunities for questions and discussion.  They will also cover aspects of the following units from the National Curriculum for Science:

Sc KS1 identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees.

Sc KS1 identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals

Sc KS1 find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival (water, food and air)

Sc KS1 identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other.

Sc KS1identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including microhabitats.

Sc KS2 explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and room to grow) and how they vary from plant to plant.