Mini-beasts in the Classroom

Although we are still in the grip of what is the longest cold spell for some time, and mini-beasts in the classroom are probably one of the last things on your mind at the moment, we are now getting bookings for the Spring and Summer terms.

Our sessions are aimed at all ages, from nursery right up to secondary school levels.  Students will not only learn about the mini-beasts and their habitats, but also have an opportunity to handle some of the creatures.  From Giant Land Snails, Stick Insects, Tarantulas - to our unusual Domino Beetles, our mini-beasts are sure to excite the students (as well as the teachers!).

Our sessions are tailored to suit the needs of the class and are adapted to suit all age and ability levels.

Students and teachers also have an opportunity to meet Archie our Corn Snake, Barney the Boa Constrictor and Buddy the Leopard Gecko.

“Mini-beast Safaris” (which are available as an add on to “Mini-beasts in the Classroom” from March until September), encourage the participants to search under rocks, logs and in amongst foliage, for a variety of mini-beasts that can be found in the school grounds.  All equipment is provided and we also supply identification sheets to encourage the children to identify some of the commoner mini-beasts themselves.   For more information please go to our web-site: Mini-beasts in the Classroom.

If you are no longer interested in receiving our Newsletter, we’d be happy to remove you from our list. So please send an unsubscribe email. Of course, we’d also like to spread the Natural World word, so please feel free to pass our information on by forwarding this email to anyone who you feel would like to take part in our Natural World Experience.

The Natural World Experience Team

Our current charges are: £60.00 for a half day session (approx 2 hours) and £100.00 for a full day session.  These prices are available to sites booking within a 20 mile radius of Hatton Bug Zoo (Warwick) or our home address near Coleshill (Junc 4 of M6).  Outside this radius we do charge a travel allowance, please e-mail  or telephone us for prices.

Optimum group size is 1 class or approx 25 people per session, although we are flexible on this and will work with you to get the best out of the day.

Our staff are CRB checked (within the last 12 months) and we also have Public Liability Insurance with NFU Mutual, a copy of which can be sent to the school or group if required.  We also undertake a full risk assessment of all activities provided and are happy to forward any copies as required.

For more information, booking availability and general enquiries, please contact Paul Taylor on 07811 403713 or e-mail: info@naturalworldexperience.com.  

Website: www.naturalworldexperience.com

Animals and items shown in this Newsletter may vary and may not necessarily be the ones the students see.

National Science & Engineering Week - Science for everyone.

This takes place between 12th - 21st March 2010, with this years theme being “Earth”

This could be anything from Earth's amazing phenomenon, Earth and it's wildlife, Earth's place in the Universe and People and the Earth.  We already have bookings from schools to take part in their school activities.  This annual event is run through the British Science Association, with further details, including funding opportunities for your school, please go to their web-site >>

The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is an exciting new initiative that is open to anyone with an interest in nature. Its aim is to create and inspire a new generation of nature-lovers by getting people to explore, study, enjoy and protect their local environment.  OPAL is developing a wide range of local and national programmes to encourage people from all backgrounds to get back in touch with nature. The project will also generate valuable scientific data concerning the state of our environment.

The current survey being undertaken is Air Quality, in particular looking at Lichens which are a good indicator of the air quality within all areas.  Lichens can be found on many surfaces, from tree branches to paving slabs, so this is an ideal survey that could be carried out within school grounds.  Again, for more information, please go to the OPAL web-site >>

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

This takes place between 30th/31st January 2010, you can download a recording sheet here >>

National Nest Box Week, organised by the BTO, runs from 14th - 21st February.  

The aim is to encourage everyone to put up nest boxes in their local area in order to promote and enhance biodiversity and conservation of our breeding birds and wildlife.  Why not make and put up nest boxes in the school grounds during National Nest Box Week, plans and more information from the National Nest Box web-site >>