Atherstone Wetlands excursion

This term, our Year 7 students took their learning beyond the classroom with a hands on excursion to the local Atherstone Wetlands as part of their Ecology unit.

The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore a real world ecosystem and see first hand the concepts they had been studying in class. Throughout the session, students enthusiastically investigated the wetland environment, identifying both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that interact to form a complex and dynamic ecosystem. Armed with nets and trays, students collected and examined macroinvertebrates living in the water, gaining insight into biodiversity and the important role these organisms play in indicating ecosystem health. Here, a highlight for Jesiah (7C) was "seeing all the creatures collected, especially the tadpole we found.

Back at school, students continued their investigations in the laboratory, building on the samples they had collected during the excursion. They measured the pH of the water and used microscopes to observe organisms within the samples collected. These close up observations sparked curiosity and wonder, as students identified tiny life forms not visible to the naked eye. They then applied their scientific skills to produce detailed scientific drawings, carefully recording and communicating their findings.

Overall, the excursion was a fantastic success. Students not only had a memorable and enjoyable session outdoors, but also deepened their understanding of ecological concepts while building important practical, observational, and analytical skills. Experiences like this highlight the value of hands-on learning and inspire curiosity about the natural world.