KS1-2 Projects

Choose your project and click on the title for the detailed project outline and resources. Want more help? Use our Project Finder or email us!

Bees

Moths & butterflies

Identify and count species of bees on bushes Measure the temperature and record the date Time of year: February-September Equipment: FSC bee identification chart, thermometer Curriculum links: identifying and classifying, change over seasons, habitats, data recording and presentation, taking measurements, plant life cycle, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Make your own light box to capture moths Plant meadow seeds to attract butterflies Record the species, measure the temperature and record the date Time of year: Any time (summer term best) Equipment: washing up bowl, light bulb, extension cord, PVC, meadow seeds, thermometer, egg boxes, magnifying glass, small clear containers for holding insects, FSC identification sheets Curriculum links: change over seasons, habitats, use of everyday materials, data recording and presentation, taking measurements, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Mammals

Birds

Record species of mammals in an area of your grounds using photos, prints, and droppings Time of year: Any time Equipment: Camera trap Curriculum links: identify mammals, identify carnivores and herbivores, change over seasons, habitats, food chains, data recording and presentation, animal nutrition, changing environments, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Record bird species, measure the temperature and record the date Carry out a breeding census using birdsong and nesting behaviour Check whether birds have a favourite food colour Time of year: Any time (breeding census spring) Equipment: FSC bird identification chart, food colouring, dough, thermometer, bird feeders Curriculum links: identify birds, change over seasons, habitats, data recording and presentation, taking measurements, changing environments, using classification keys, reproduction, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Insects

Fungi

Bury flowerpot pitfall traps to catch beetles Identify and release species, measure the temperature and record the date Time of year: March – October Equipment: FSC insect identification chart, flowerpots, thermometer, magnifying glass, small clear containers for holding insects Curriculum links: change over seasons, habitats, data recording and presentation, taking measurements, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Record fungal species in your grounds, monitor how long they last for and who eats them Measure the temperature and record the date Time of year: October-March Equipment: camera, FSC fungi identification chart, thermometer Curriculum links: change over seasons, habitats, data recording and presentation, food chains, taking measurements, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Pollen

Reptiles

Using fluorescent powder on flowering plants Track pollination by monitoring how the powder is spread to other plants Time of year: Spring/Summer terms Equipment: Fluorescent powder, fine paint brush, magnifying glass, FSC flower guides, measuring tapes Curriculum links: change over seasons, habitats, data recording and presentation, map skills, taking measurements, plant life cycle, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Put down mats to monitor slow worms in your grounds Time of year: Spring/Summer terms Equipment: carpet tiles, rubber gloves, tray, camera, ruler Curriculum links: identify reptiles, change over seasons, habitats, data recording and presentation, taking measurements, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

Pondlife

Plants

Monitor appearance and development of frog and toad spawn in a pond Measure the temperature and record the date Pond dip to discover which insect species live in the pond Time of year: Spring term Equipment: thermometer, nets, small bucket, magnifying glass, teaspoons, FSC identification sheets Curriculum links: structure of common animals, change over seasons, habitats, data recording and presentation, food chains, taking measurements, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills

See which plants grow throughout the year, the dominant species, and how soil affects it See which plants grow in the hedgerow and which animals live there Time of year: Any time Equipment: quadrat, FSC plant identification sheets, cylinders, oven, magnifying glass, small clear containers to hold insects Curriculum links: Plant identification, change over seasons, habitats, how plants grow, data recording and presentation, plant life cycle, changing environments, using classification keys, increasing vocabulary, writing skills, numeracy, scientific units, computer skills