Explore the exciting range of habitats and biodiversity at Chelsea Physic Garden. Learn to identify a variety of plant and animal species and discover how different species have become well suited to unique habitats.

Through exploring the garden, students will discover environments ranging from tropical to temperate, and discuss simple food webs that make up different ecosystems. They will uncover a range of plants and animals living in the garden, talk about what they need to survive, and identify ways in which they have adapted to their environments. The session includes a close-up look at creatures in a microhabitat through pond-dipping, and students will each make a habitat for minibeasts to take away with them.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand what a habitat is
• Recognise features of habitats within the garden
• Discuss how habitats are different around the world
• Identify ways plants and animals have adapted to their habitats
• Develop scientific enquiry skills
• Understand the impact humans can have on plant and animal habitats
• Create a habitat for minibeasts

National Curriculum Links:

Students will be working scientifically during their visit with lots of opportunities for questions and discussion.  They will also cover aspects of the following units from the National Curriculum for Science:

• Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees.
• Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
• Find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival (water, food and air)
• Identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other.
• Identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including microhabitats.
• Explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and room to grow) and how they vary from plant to plant.