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Written by Jeff   
Sunday, 06 September 2009 15:44

The Travelling Nature Table

bug art english martyrs catholic primary litherland 140709 600 72dpi
English Martyrs Catholic Primary, Litherland, July 2009

Only a couple of decades ago the 'nature table' was an integral part of school education. The skill sets and confidence that many teachers used to capture children's imagination, through this important gateway to the natural world, was gradually eroded by the strictures of the National Curriculum and Schemes of Work.

At long last the UK national government has realised how invaluable the nature table principle, being promoted by the British Naturalists Association, is to a rounded education and they are strongly backing its return.

I can bridge that gap of lost skills by bringing my travelling nature table to your school.

What benefits will your school gain?

  • Re-connecting children and teachers with their local natural environment.
  • Opening up a fascinating window on a world with the help of modern technologies
  • Engaging students in collecting and collating information
  • Re-arming teachers with skills and confidence to re-introduce the natural environment to their lessons.
  • Improving pupil behaviour by teaching respect for their environment
  • Encouraging children to take positive action to improve their environment
  • Demonstrating techniques for utilising school grounds and local open spaces.
  • Adapting Schemes of Work to maximise the potential for teaching using the natural environment, including school grounds.
  • Applying cross curricullar thinking to the use of the natural environment.

All lessons can be adapted to get the best option for your particular school. Below you will find an example typical scenario for a day's engagement with your school.

Work with two classes.

  • Opening introductory presentation using PowerPoint.
    Demonstrate safe surveying and handling techniques for equipment and items of the nature table e.g PDAs.
    Sampling in school grounds, or nearby park.
    Examination of creatures and plants.
    Art and Kenning Poetry Session.
    Nature Blog for your School website.
    Adding observations to Local Biological Records Centre using Schools RODIS.
As part of the service I will bring a wide range of samples with me (these will vary seasonally).
All elements of the sessions are risk assessed.

Costs & Charges
This service represents exceptional value for money.
Full Day £200.00; Half Day £125.00; (Multi-day bookings are discounted to £175.00 per day)
All equipment provided by Jeff Clarke Ecology will be made available free of charge but any losses or breakages must be covered by the school.

Booking
Please use the Contact Form to register your enquiry or telephone 07837 690612.