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Key Stage 3

Motivate your students with an inspiring visit to Bristol Zoo Project that will challenge their preconceptions, develop teambuilding and communication skills, and engage them with environmental issues.

Our hands-on sessions take place in the great outdoors, often near animal exhibits. We recommend suitable clothing and sturdy footwear!

‘Great day out – great mix of fun/physical and knowledge of nature.’ – Oldfield School

Watch a video about secondary school educational visits at Bristol Zoo Project.

KS3 Educational Sessions

Classification

Explore the biodiversity of life on earth and how we try to understand and classify the different taxa on planet earth. Students will learn the difference between invertebrates and vertebrates, and be able to name the five classes of vertebrates, knowing the features of the animals in these classes.

Subjects covered:

  • Why classifying animals is important, and the different methods employed

  • The similarities within and between species

  • Classifying invertebrate groups

  • The five classes of vertebrates

Curriculum links:

  • Key Stage 3 Science: Genetics and Evolution

Adaptation and Evolution

Learn about the key themes of adaptation, with a range of natural artefacts like furs and skulls to illustrate how adaptations help animals to survive in diverse habitats, from the extreme cold of the Arctic to the heat of the desert.

  • Understand the difference between physical, behavioural and physiological adaptations

  • Understand the theory of Natural Selection and evolution

  • Exploring anatomical and behavioural adaptations for a different species

Curriculum links:

  • Key Stage 3 Science: Genetics and Evolution, Interactions and Interdependencies

Team challenge

Kick off the academic year on the right foot, with a series of team building challenges for your group that will help develop positive relationships, build social and communication skills and grow confidence!

Which team will be the first across the ‘river’, stepping only on ‘rocks’?! And which team can make the best mini-raft? Please note activities are subject to change depending on the age and ability of the group.

  • Develop teamwork and communication

  • Physical challenges

  • Develop resilience

Curriculum links:

  • Physical Education

This session is also available at a KS2 level.

Wild about Wolves

Exploring our exciting Bear Wood exhibit, students learn the truth about wolves, discover why wolves howl and find their pack by smell alone. Through a series of games, students also learn about wolf adaptation and take part in the predator-prey challenge!

  • Know some facts about wolves (adaptations and behaviour)

  • Describe why wolves & other animals became extinct in the UK

  • Suggest how to preserve remaining forests in the UK

Curriculum links:

  • Key Stage 3 Science: Genetics and Evolution, Interactions and Interdependencies

  • Geography

This session is also available at a KS1 level.

Amazing Madagascar

Using Madagascar as a case-study, students explore the unique biodiversity of the world’s fourth-largest island and explore issues relating to deforestation. The session may include an immersive trail through a Madagascan village.

  • Identify Madagascar location, habitats and some animals

  • Describe causes of habitat destruction and why some species are endangered

  • Suggest why it is important to conserve habitat in Madagascar and at home

Curriculum links:

  • Key Stage 3 Science: Genetics and Evolution

  • Geography

This session is also available at a KS1 level and at a KS2 level.

How to book

To book your visit please email edubookings@bzsociety.org.uk, or call 0117 428 5600.