For pupils in years 3, 4, 5 and 6
Classification
All living things on earth are classified into groups depending on their similarities and differences. In this workshop, learners will explore how animals are grouped together based on their diet and physical features, while also getting up close and personal with a variety of bio-facts (skulls, skins and scales).
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and takes place in the Discovery Centre.
Food Chains
Help us solve mystery disappearances by following a food chain from start to end. This workshop focuses on animal food chains, including herbivores, carnivores and omnivores – leading on to discussing predator and prey within the animal world – using a variety of skulls and natural artefacts.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Habitats & Adaptations
Join us to discover the huge diversity of habitats found around the world and what animals call them home. Explore some of the adaptations that creatures have to survive in these challenging environments.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and takes place in the Discovery Centre.
Life at Dudley Castle
Go back in time to an 11th century Dudley Castle and learn about key events of the time, including life within a castle. In this workshop you will be introduced to the world and life of medieval castles, covering a range of topics including day-to-day life and castle defence.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
African Savannah
Discover the African Savannah in all its complexity through this interactive workshop, covering topics such as classification, habitats and food chains. This session will introduce you to Africa’s amazing animals through a range of engaging tasks and artefacts.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Ice & Oceans
Dive into the icy waters of the Antarctic ocean, then warm up again in the waters of the Caribbean coasts. In this workshop, learners will discover the range of animals that live in the North and South Pole, and what lurks beneath the waters in-between.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Rainforests
Take a journey into the world’s tropical rainforests, learn about the different rainforest layers and their inhabitants, and discover how animals and plants depend on this amazing natural resource.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Dinosaurs & Evolution
Discover how the chicken and the T-rex are actually quite similar. From dinosaur discoveries to Darwin, find out how changes occur over time, and handle some fossils that illustrate some key concepts of evolution.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Endangered Species
Through a range of case studies and biofacts (skins, furs and scales), this session explores a range of endangered species and their threats. Learners will be encouraged to use critical thinking skills to gain an understanding of where these threats come from and how we can help conserve our natural world.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Zoo Tour
Learners will be led on a pre-planned tour around the zoo, stopping at various enclosures and learning facts about our animals here at the zoo. This tour can be tailored to your individual needs, so we encourage you to speak to our team and we will try to accommodate where possible.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and takes place outdoors.
Terrific Tectons
Starting in our Tecton Safari Gift Shop, this tour will give learners a chance to discover the world’s largest collection of Tectons, see how they were constructed and why they were built here at Dudley Zoo. The tour will then carry on around our 12 listed Tecton structures here at the zoo.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
The cost per child for each of these sessions is £10. This includes their admission to the Zoo & Castle.
Workshops are subject to availability. For further information or to book a visit please call 01384 215313 or email louise.curtis@dudleyzoo.org.uk
All workshop session plans are embedded with Science and Geography National Curriculum links, as well as core skills within Maths, English and Working Scientifically. Click here for further information.
You will receive one free adult with every 7 paying students, any additional adults are charged at £9.00 each. (SEN groups receive a free carer admission per child). These rates are based upon groups of 10+ students.
We can accommodate a maximum of 30 students per workshop and for the indoor lunch sittings we can provide if requested (as these rooms can accommodate up to 30 children at a time).
Here at Dudley Zoo & Castle we aim to educate children of all ages about the natural world, conservation and history through the use of natural artefacts including skins, skulls and scales. We therefore no longer include live animals in our classroom based workshops. This is to help ensure that both our learners and our animals’ needs are met. Dudley Zoo & Castle is home to over 1300 animals which you and your students will have the opportunity to see whilst exploring our 40 acre site during your visit.
Updated for 2023/2024 Academic Year
