Sutton Ecology Centre in London has recently opened a new classroom for students to use for learning about wildlife and ecological conservation.
Sutton is an environmental education centre that has a nature reserve onsite, and the new classroom is ready to use for the summer term.
Children on a school trip to the centre will have the chance to explore the natural area, as well as find out about wildlife habitats, alternative energy, recycling, composting, organic and wildlife gardening.
Sessions for students
The education centre offers a range of school sessions in a safe environment that are suitable for Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children.
School sessions last around two hours, and include hands-on investigation tasks and games.
Activities available at Sutton Ecology Centre include pond dipping, mini beast hunts, food web games, using a video microscope, using a map, orienteering, playing sensory games, and making things with paper.
Each session comes with a full lesson plan for teachers to use. There is the option of booking two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to make a full day trip as well.
New for Key Stage 2
The centre has also just launched a new Key Stage 2 session called Pond Explorer which makes use of a video microscope in the classroom.
Students will explore Sutton’s pond, play games about food chains, and learn about adaptations and habitats.
School trip information
Teachers who would like to make a booking to use the new classroom should call the education team on 020-8770 5820, or e-mail biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk.
The centre is able to tailor sessions to meet the learning needs of the class, and teachers will receive a full lesson plan with curriculum links and suggestions for pre and post visit activities.
For further information visit www.sutton.gov.uk.
