Pupils from Bristol’s Frome Vale Academy visited the University of Bristol life sciences building to meet with scientists and researchers to learn about how scientists classify animals.
Forty-five pupils from Years 4 and 6 discussed and researched many topics. Experiences involved looking at a range of animal skulls including a chimpanzee, an elephant, a cat, and a walrus, and they investigated the different features of the skull depending on the animal’s diet. They debated whether a particular animal is a predator or prey.
A close-up study of owl pellets, during which they discovered the jaws of a shrew which had been eaten by the owl. The children had the opportunity to explore these using a microscope.
Finally, they got to explore skeletons from different animal groups, including a South American sea lion and a crocodile.
Class teacher Hannah Jackman said: “Year 4 love being scientists and enjoyed the opportunity to wear their own lab coats and experience what it was like to be a scientist in a real lab.
“The children were fantastic and had an amazing experience. They have all said how much they enjoyed the trip. I think their favourite part was seeing how large the elephant skull was. They showcased themselves as excellent enthusiastic learners.”
