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Posted on April 15th 2016
National Sciene Week - Zoolab!
National Science Week 2016 - Zoolab!
On Wednesday 16th March, Harris Academy Beckenham welcomed a few very ‘lively’ guests to the Academy to deliver workshops throughout the day regarding the adaptation of animals.
The lucky recipients of these sessions were a host of Year 7 students whom were identified by their proud teachers as having displayed excellent skills in their Science work throughout the year.
The workshop lasted for 45 minutes and was delivered by an expert in the field of animal adaptation. As if this wasn’t enough of a treat in itself, our visitor brought along a few extra ‘friends’ with him to help deliver the session; live animals!
The students were shown live animals as they were taught about the specific adaptations of the creatures to their habitats in order to successfully live and reproduce. They were then given the chance to hold the animals to provide a truly interactive experience for all involved.
To begin, students were eased into the session by an introduction of what adaptation actually means, and the importance of this to the survival of any species.
Pupils were then met with a friendly little creature; the cockroach, as it was explained to them how they are the only creature on earth that can survive a nuclear attack! Needless to say, the audience was quite impressed at this information as they held an innocent looking cockroach in their hands!
Other animals that were introduced included a giant snail, a centipede, a tarantula and even a snake!
The lucky final group also came face to face with a rat; another incredibly diverse and well adapted creature.
The students clearly enjoyed the session and emerged from it with both a better understanding of the importance of adaptation, as well as a well-deserved encounter with some truly amazing creatures!
Ms Holland - Coordinator of Science
