Science Investigations Key stage 1 and 2

Centre activities support most aspects of Sc1 and Sc2 using the nearby River Darent and environs, Farningham Woods and the on-site wildlife area as a resource. The wildlife area is about an acre in size and comprises a range of habitats including a surrounding hedge, meadow, pond and marsh. There are also numerous log piles, slates and tiles to further encourage a diversity of invertebrate species. There are all-weather paths leading to a range of workbenches and seating for visiting pupils.

Programmes of study usually focus on life processes, variation and classification and living things in their environment with pupils investigating animal and plant life cycles, adaptation, habitats and food chains. Terrestrial and freshwater minibeasts are found in different habitats and observed and sorted on-site often viewed through the Centre's two flexcams which enlarge small invertebrates on to a TV screen. Classes may spend part of the day, usually the morning, at the nearby river searching for minibeasts and compare those found in the wildlife area later, or focus on the wildlife area all day.

There is a small on-site 'recycling' area with glass bottles, plastics, tin cans, paper and natural garden waste, together with rainwater to replenish the pond collected off the air-raid shelter roof. There are explanatory trail posts in the wildlife area with braille signage if required, and a recycling display in the resource room. In addition, pupils may sort a range of household materials made from plastic, cardboard, tin and synthetic textiles etc, providing opportunities for them to learn about the problems of waste management.

Curriculum Relevance
 

Studies of Sc1 and Sc2 at Horton Kirby EEC will contribute to pupil's knowledge, skills and understanding of natural science. Work on recycling will also widen their experience of 'materials and their properties'. Programmes of study and their content may be adapted to suit teacher requirements and the needs, age and abilities of the children.