Year 8 experience some Wild Science

Katy from the company Wild Science visited the College on Thursday 22nd April bringing with her a variety of animals to give our Year 8 students the opportunity to encounter some wild and fascinating creatures. These included a Bearded Dragon called Mango (on account of his bright orange colour), a Millipede, a Python, a Tree Frog and a Tarantula.

Students learnt from Katy about each of the animals. She talked in details about their features and adaptations that enable them to survive in their Natural habitat. Many of the animals don’t originate from the UK and so require a very specialised diet. The Millipede lives on leaf litter but because the species of trees we have is different to Africa where the Millipede originates from, Katy has to order in leaves for feeding. Holding the Millipede felt like toothbrush bristles across the palm of the hand.

Students had the chance to touch both the Python and the Bearded Dragon. Many thought the snake would feel slimy and were surprised at how dry it was to touch. A few lucky students were invited to hold the Tarantula. Students were warned that even though the hairs make them look fluffy, not to stroke them as the hairs are toxic and part of the Tarantula’s defence mechanism.

Students were excited to see the animals and there was lots of talk about the animals. Students asked lots of really engaging questions about the animals and their upkeep. In Year 8, students learn about the evolution of living organisms and how different adaptations and mutations are a result and can lead to further evolution. This also builds upon their Year 7 learning about variation in organisms. Experiences like this help students to see these variations in the organisms and learn about how each one enables it to survive and successfully reproduce as a species. This then means students can make links to other species and provides a core knowledge for GCSE Biology and the evolution topic.

After lunch, the 6th form Biology students had their opportunity to hear about these species and their adaptations as well as get to meet a ‘dumpy’ Tree Frog. The Biology work at KS3 and KS4 continues throughout Biology A level with students learning about variations in Year 12 and evolution again in Year 13.

It was fantastic to see students applying their knowledge and being able to experience its application in real life. Assistant Headteacher for STEM, Emma Hawkley said “We’re grateful to Katy for visiting us in College, for providing a unique opportunity for students to extend their knowledge of these animals and adaptations beyond the classroom and look forward to inviting Wild Science back again”.