ECO Council

Eco Council:

The Eco Council have been working with Charlie from Wild Aid to work out a series of activities for all year groups to participate in. Throughout the year each class will carry out the following activities.

Year 3 Wild Aid

On the 16 June Year 3 spent the morning carrying out a health survey of the ponds near Kincraig Primary School. When we arrived, we first looked at measuring the pond by counting our strides around the perimeter. Then the children were given a demonstration on how to safely do some ‘pond dipping’ using the nets, and what to do with the different life forms that we caught. All the children took it turns with the nets and caught a variety of different bugs, fish and amphibians. We also used identification keys to help us find out what we had caught. At the end of a fantastic morning, we returned all the creatures back into their homes and returned to school.

Reception Wild Aid

Reception Wild Aid- Thursday 17th March 2016

Life Cycles/Caring for Animals

On Thursday morning Charlie from Wild Aid came into our class to talk to us about lots of different animals. We have been learning about animals and their life cycles in class as part of our Growth and Change topic. We began by thinking about the pets we have at home, and how to look after them and keep them happy.

Poppy: “We have to take them to the vets when they’re poorly.”

Chris: “We have to play with them.”

Lilli: “Make sure they have enough to eat and drink”.

Then we played a matching game. Charlie brought in some toy animals and some pictures of animals, and it was Reception’s task to match them up. We did very well, matching all the toys and pictures correctly and naming the animals correctly.

Charlie brought in lots of things for us to explore, and gave us the task of pretending to be vets taking care of the toy animals. We really enjoyed using the equipment and thinking about everything we had learnt about how to take care of your pets.

Finally, Charlie set up a pretend pond on our carpet for us to discuss a life cycle we were all familiar with: the life cycle of a frog. We impressed Charlie with what we knew, correctly explaining how the frogspawn turn into tadpoles, which then grow legs to turn into froglets, which finally grow into frogs.

Reception would like to give a big thank you to Charlie for a wonderful morning!

Year 2 Wild Aid Workshop

What is a habitat?

As part of Kincraig science week year 2 have investigated the local environment and examined habitats.

Our workshop started off in the classroom where we decided upon our definition for what a habitat is:

Destiny – ‘A habitat is a home for animals.’

Jessica – ‘Habitats can be any size.’

Dylan M – ‘A habitat is where something belongs.’

We also learnt about our responsibilities in respecting and protecting habitats.

Fully prepared, we left for a trip around Kincraig lake. We stopped in various areas around the examined at the variety of plants, animals and insects we could find. Whilst looking at the lake, as well as observing a variety of ducks, we were lucky enough to spot a Grey Heron in flight! In the wooded areas we found a spider’s nest and watched a pair of squirrels playing on a tree. After spotting some bird nests we made some of our own nests using the natural materials we could find.

Year 2 spent a fantastic morning learning outside of the classroom. We now have a much better understanding of our local area. Also, we know where to look for the different animals, birds and insects.

Next time we and our families visit a lake or wooded area, we will use what we have learnt to make the most of our environment.

A big thank you to Wild Aid from Year 2!

Year 5 Wild Aid

On Tuesday 19th January, Year 5 were very excited to invite Charlie from Wild Aid into our class. During the morning, we had the opportunity to learn all about the impact of litter on our environment and discussed what we knew about recycling through games and activities. We were able to distinguish what household items we can reduce, re-use or recycle.

Then we conducted an experiment to see the effect of oil on swans. Some swans had to be taken to Wild Aid to be looked after, after their water had been polluted by oil. We discovered that although swans are normally waterproof due to their feathers, when the feathers come into contact with oil, water can get through and this means that swans become very cold. The oil also made the feathers much heavier- so heavy the swan could sink.

To help prevent danger to animals in our local environment, we created posters to warn people of the dangers of littering, including tips on how to keep animals safe. Did you know, crushing cans before putting them in bins can prevent animals getting stuck in them? Also, tying knots in carrier bags can stop animals being suffocated by them.

We were very lucky and received Wild Aid pencils made from recycled CD cases and RSPCA magazines for each of us. What a great morning!

“It was sad to see the animals which were injured by the litter. But I will definitely recycle now. I know much more about recycling and what I can do to make a difference in the environment.”

Imogen Simpson (Year 5)

“I really enjoyed my morning with Wild Aid and learnt lots of interesting facts about litter and recycling. I am going to do lots of recycling at home and at school. You can even make things out of your old rubbish.”

Jamie-Leigh (Year 5)

Year 6 Wildlife Surveys

On Monday 12th October, Year 6 went to investigate the local wildlife at Kincraig pond.

Here’s what the children had to say…

“I thought it was really fun investigating the wildlife round the Kincraig Pond. I learnt all about the different species, tallying and using the evidence to analyse the data.” – Liam

“Charlie explained to us about the different habitats the species live in.” – Reece

“We learnt how to recognise whether it was a toad or a frog. A toad has a crumpled back and a frog has a smooth back. Also a frog jumps and a toad crawls.” – Seren