Help For Schools Will Get Children Learning Outdoors
1 March 2013
A group of children having fun and learning at Sturgess Field through a WildScience project
The activities can be held in a school or groups' own grounds or a local green space or park, and children have a great time looking for mini beasts, finding out about trees, 'alien invaders' and biodiversity on their doorsteps.
”Beverley Rhodes of WildVolunteering
Schools and community groups across Derbyshire are being urged to access environmental experts who can help children learn in the great outdoors.
WildScience - which is supported by the University of Derby and delivered by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Enviro-Learn and University students - is now offering a number of free educational experiences to schools and learning groups in Derby and Derbyshire.
Through the WildScience project, teachers and group leaders can engage their pupils in a variety of free activities including pond dipping, nature's recycling, wild bushcraft, a mini-beast hunt or a BioBlitz.
Beverley Rhodes, of WildVolunteering, said: "After a successful pilot year last year we wanted to make WildScience available to more children across Derbyshire.
"The activities can be held in a school or groups' own grounds or a local green space or park, and children have a great time looking for mini beasts, finding out about trees, 'alien invaders' and biodiversity on their doorsteps."
Trained students from the University deliver the wildlife educational activities, which are linked to the National Curriculum's maths and science subjects, and encourage children to understand and enjoy outdoor spaces, wildlife and to get involved in biodiversity.
Jason Nichols, Community Relations Assistant at the University of Derby, added: "This year we have over 30 students delivering projects in the community and across our schools. We are also supported by community specialists, so this approach is attracting real interest, and we want many more people to benefit by accessing this programme."
To learn more, teachers and group leaders are encouraged to go to the WildScience page on the University's website www.derby.ac.uk/community/projects/wildscience and download the booking form.
Or they can email Jason Nichols in Community Relations at j.nichols@derby.ac.uk or call Beverley Rhodes on 07544 281105.
