The Garden Museum aims to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the science of plants by developing plant science sessions that link to the national curriculum.
WE ARE NOW FULLY BOOKED FOR MARCH AND APRIL. THERE ARE ONLY A FEW SLOTS REMAINING FOR MAY. WE ARE ACCEPTING BOOKINGS FOR JUNE ONWARDS AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
Our Clore Learning Space is a dedicated classroom within the museum that can accommodate 30 pupils.
We offer bespoke plant science sessions that are linked to plant biology topics taught at secondary schools. All sessions include a practical investigation and incorporate artefacts from the museum collection or current exhibitions.
Our dedicated Plant science teacher works closely with schools to develop interesting, informative and engaging activities that teach the plant science component of Biology across key stage 3, 4 and 5.
We have been successful in hosting enrichment sessions for schools where timings and content have been adapted to the needs and ability of the cohort attending.
Our GCSE Biology revision sessions have proven to be very popular with pupils and are a chance for pupils to consolidate knowledge and the opportunity to perform a required practical. Information on content and dates is emailed in advance of the Easter break to schools.
Please contact samia@gardenmuseum.org.uk for further information.
WARDIAN CASE
Is it just a storage box for plants?
Our Wardian case is a replica of the original which is housed in the ethnobotany department at Kew Gardens and is not a storage case.
Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward developed and pioneered the use of the Wardian case to successfully transport live plants across the world and contribute to the establishment of global botanic gardens.
In this session pupils learn about William Bligh (of mutiny on the bounty fame) a Lambeth boy whose tomb is in our garden and his mission to transport breadfruit from Tahiti to Jamaica. The impact of this on the enslaved people and the links to plant science and empire.
Pupils learn about the science of the Wardian case and how a simple case kept plants watered by condensing moisture while protecting them from the external environment has been utilized in the modern day by terrariums in the home. Every pupil then makes their own mini terrariums using sustainable material which they can take home with them.
Adapted to KS3 and KS4.
Plant Disease and Control
What are the causes of plant disease? How do we identify the different forms of diseases in plants? Why is it important to control plant disease?
Pupils will learn about the causes of plant disease and how the symptoms are identified and treated. Why it is economically important to control pest and pathogen infestation in commercial crops and how if unchecked it could affect foods we all rely on.
Pupils will distinguish between a leaf suffering from a type of pathogen attack and one that is disease and pest free using digital and light microscopes. The lesson also covers plants and the chemical compounds they produce all of which have different roles and function. We have an exciting game to help aid understanding, developed by the University of Reading, which is fun and educational.
Our archives provide an interesting collection of pesticide ephemera which gives an insight into the evolution of pest control which pupils can judge the impact of and comparison with current knowledge and understanding.
There will also be an opportunity to learn about GM technology and a practical activity based on techniques used in research labs.
KS4 session and adapted for KS3.
Carnivorous plants
The meat eaters of the plant kingdom.
How have they evolved and adapted to their environment?
Why do they have different nutritional requirements to other plants?
An examination of the structure of these plants with a practical that re-creates Darwin’s seminal investigation to understand how they work, trap and digest their prey.
How do they avoid attack and protect themselves? How are they pollinated?
We will also look at the variety of leaf adaptation which enables prey to be attracted and then ultimately consumed.
Adapted to KS3 and KS4
Nature all around
Take care of the natural world and learn about the importance of biodiversity.
This session is tailored to the seasons and has a sustainable element.
An ideal activity for fun filled enrichment.
According to the season pupils can make two of the following:
Insect/Bug hotel using sustainable material
Bird feeder using sustainable material
Seed bombs
Mini-Flower press
Suitable for all age groups.
Like a Lichen
Did you know Lichen have been to space and back and still remain viable?
What is a lichen and why, how, do they cover an area of the planet's surface that is greater than the tropical rainforests?
Pupils will get a chance to explore the prevalence of lichens covering the tombs and brickwork in our grounds and nearby trees in Old Paradise gardens.
They will then take samples of Lichen back into our dedicated learning classroom to identify using digital microscopes and relate distribution to pollution levels.
Adapted to KS3 and KS4.
MOSS SAFARI
A safari in the classroom!
Pupils need go no further than the classroom to see the ‘Big 5’.
An innovate approach using the humble moss to dispel the predominance of plant blindness also called plant awareness disparity or simple zoo-chauvinism where plants are assigned the importance bestowed to animals.
Skills learnt include making a slide, observation, and identification of microscopic organisms plus an appreciation of life within a life form.
Adapted to KS3, KS4 and KS5.
Plant Adaptation
Looking at adaptation of plants to physical conditions in different ecosystems to ensure survival and success.
The focus of the session will be on several different plants planted in our Dan Pearson designed garden, our front garden, tombs, summer wildflower meadow, small glasshouse and our new medicinal/healing garden. Examination will be made of leaf structure, shape and adaptation to the environmental factors that could limit plant growth.
We have several unique plants that pupils can observe in depth using digital microscopes in our classroom and try to the type of environment they originate from and what features enable them to survive and thrive.
Pupils will by the end of the session design the ultimate plant for the end of the 21st century that could survive climate change.
Adapted to KS3 and KS4
Look out for:
Our GCSE Biology revision classes for 2024 during the Easter Holidays!
Please do not hesitate to contact samia@gardenmuseum.org.uk to discuss the content of sessions.
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