Summary
Enjoying nature and wildlife provides lots of learning opportunities for all. Here are a variety of resources for children, young people and families from a range of museums and organisations, including the National Trust, Forestry England and the RSPB, to name a few. Learning doesn't get more enjoyable than this!
Information
iSpot
www.ispotnature.org
Great for wildlife identification and created by the Open University.
Oxford University Museum Of Natural History: learning zone
www.oum.ox.ac.uk/thezone
Designed for younger children to find facts and information on insects.
UK Safari
www.uksafari.com
This has an extensive Identify It facility covering an A–Z of wildlife from Amphibians to Wild Flowers, all with colour photos.
learning resources and activities
Canal & river trust: learning resources
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/resources
This is an excellent learning resource with a wealth of downloadable wildlife explorer trails within the list of resources. Using the filter select either Animals, Habitats or the Environment. Excellent.
Centre of Alternative Technology: wildlife activities
www.cat.org.uk/cat-at-home/cat_at_home-families
A great selection of wildlife activities including the downloadable Winter Wildlife activity booklet.
Connecting to nature
www.chatsworth.org/your-visit/learning/learning-resources/resources-for-ages-5-7
A learning resource aimed at KS1 and KS2 from Chatsworth House. It explores the use of our senses to connect with nature and to discover ways that animals adapt to survive. Select Connecting to Nature. Excellent.
Dartmoor National Park
www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/funzone/games
This has nature activities to do at home or in the classroom.
Dens and shelters
www.chatsworth.org/your-visit/learning/learning-resources/resources-for-ages-5-7
Learn how to build dens and shelters outside or in your home with Chatsworth House. This activity also looks at why shelters are important for animals and how they might build them. It is aimed at KS1 and KS2. Select Dens and Shelters.
Dorset County Museum: natural activities
www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/learn
Select from the Natural Dorset Activities list for things to do while out and about. It includes a Wildflower Spotter Guide.
Durham Cathedral: make a sound card
www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/learning/online-resources
Select Get Creative at Home for downloadable instructions on making a sound card to record the sounds we hear when we stop and listen. Great for in the garden or on a nature walk.
Forests at home
www.forestryengland.uk/forests-at-home
A great set of nature activities for all the family. Requires registering for free downloadable activities.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Home-School Learning ResourcesA Guide for Home-Educators, Teachers, Parents and Librarians, pp. 160 - 165Publisher: FacetPrint publication year: 2021