Mini Beasts Unearthed

A full day of immersion in museum led activities to explore the Museum’s rich biodiversity. 

This workshop is suitable for upper KS2 students. The day facilitates time for a lunch break.

Curriculum Links: Nature and Habitats, Design and Technology, Biodiversity, Wellbeing.

The location would be the Museum’s Nature Trail.

Basic Information

This is an interactive and practical workshop, which explores the biodiversity on our Nature Trail – an old coal heap which has been reclaimed by nature. The workshop includes a bug hunt using scientific equipment and a hands-on woodworking session to make bug hotels and encourage more minibeasts to make their homes on our site.

Breakdown of Session

Bug Hunt Fieldwork Session (1 Hour and 50 Minutes)
Pupils will be equipped with scientific tools such as magnifying glasses, nets, bug containers, identification guides, and microscopes as they explore the nature trail to discover various insects and small creatures. We will focus on three different microhabitats: soft ground surfaces, human-made hard surfaces, and plants. With guidance, they will identify and record the different species they encounter, using the equipment to study them closely and engaging in discussions about the role each one plays in the ecosystem. The data collected will be entered into tables and transferred into graphs, allowing us to compare which minibeasts are thriving in the different habitats on our museum site.

Lunch (40 minutes) A private lunch room will be provided

Building Bug Hotels – Practical Woodworking Session (2 Hours)
Pupils will begin by using the data collected during the bug hunt to decide which minibeasts they want to attract to live on our site. This information will guide their designs as they construct bug hotels using woodworking tools and natural materials like wood, twigs, and bamboo. In the hands-on woodworking session, they will build habitats specifically suited to the species they identified. Along the way, they will learn how bug hotels attract beneficial insects and why these insects are crucial for maintaining biodiversity. This activity will emphasise the role of bug hotels in providing safe habitats for minibeasts, encouraging the young people to support and enhance local ecosystems.

Useful information:

• We are only open Wednesday – Friday for on site bookings (Virtual Workshops are available on Mondays & Tuesdays)
• Schools will need to request an enquiry form using the ‘Enquire’ button to the left, submitting details of your visit and 3 preferred dates in order to book. We will then contact you as soon as possible to confirm.
• Lunch space is included and will be exclusive to your school.

Did you know that we also offer Virtual Workshops in a variety of topics that can be accessed from your classroom? Topics include Meet a Miner, the Victorians and Rocks and Fossils.

You can also use our downloadable resources to aid your pupils learning before and after your visit.

Email our Bookings Assistant, Sharon, on bookings@ncm.org.uk to enquire.