WORKSHOPS

Super Senses

A relaxed session where children will be able to learn about the natural world and the animals around them using their senses. We will discover different types of animals and use animal artefacts to understand the differences between them, looking at things like the differences between feathers, scales, and fur, and learning animal sounds. Children will have the chance to get involved, discuss, and answer questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

On the Beach

Focussing on the different animals that may live on the beach, in rockpools, and under the sea, this session will allow children to join in with sensory activities to learn about the seaside. There will be opportunities for children to join in with actions and explore different movements, with introduction to adaptations of aquatic animals, listening to the sounds of the ocean, and finding different beach items like shells. Children will learn about some of the animals they can see in our SEA LIFE Aquarium and Zoo during their trip.

Clawsome Classification

A puzzle-solving workshop where students will work together to solve puzzles, unlock clues, and figure out the mystery animal! Each clue will reveal a new part of the animal’s taxonomy, habitat, or diet, and will show some of the different ways that we may classify this animal. Students will get the chance to handle animal artefacts, including replica animal skulls, and will use information learnt from these clues to understand classification.

Learning Outcomes:

• To identify a variety of animals and compare differences between them.
• To understand that animals can be grouped in different ways.

Curriculum Points:

• Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
• Identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.
• Using observations to compare and contrast animals, describing how they identify and group them.
• Grouping animals according to what they eat.

Animal CSI

Can you help us solve the mystery of the missing food? Students will use animal facts and clues to act as detectives and solve the mystery. Using cross-curricular skills, students will need to use teamwork and problem-solving to work through their evidence pack, and in doing so, will find out information on African species and habitats. Throughout the activity, the idea that animals and habitats co-exist will be introduced.

Learning Outcomes:

• To be able to identify a variety of animals, and their habitats and diets.
• To start understanding how animals are adapted to their habitats and how there are similarities between species in the same habitats.

Curriculum Points:

• Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
• Identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.
• 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.

Animal Habitats and Adaptation

By looking closely at some of the uniquely adapted animals that live here at Chessington World of Adventures, students will learn about habitats and the struggles animals face in the wild, along with how they have adapted to live there.

Students will use powers of deduction and problem-solving skills to understand the adaptations of two animals from extreme habitats that live here at Chessington World of Adventures. By the end of this workshop, students will be able to look at an animal and figure out what habitat it may come from based on its adaptations.

Learning Outcomes:

• To identify a variety of different animals, and the habitats that they live in.
• To understand that animals are adapted to their habitat, and how those adaptations are beneficial.

Curriculum Points:

• Identify that animals need the right types and amount of nutrition, and that they cannot make their own food; they get nutrition from what they eat.
• Recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things.
• Comparing the teeth of carnivores and herbivores and suggesting reasons for differences.
• Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways.

Fantastic Forces

During this workshop, we will look at some of the different examples of forces, and the ways that they are used in the operation of theme park rides at the resort. We will also discuss the use of forces in nature, by looking at some of the most extreme animals on the planet. We will then demonstrate examples of these forces in action with practical activities.

Learning Outcomes:

• To be able to identify different types of forces.
• To understand how these forces are used in action, specifically in our rides here at Chessington.

Curriculum Points:

• Compare how things move on different surfaces.
• Notice that some forces need contact between 2 objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance.
• Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the earth because of the force of gravity acting between the earth and the falling object.
• Identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces.
• Recognise that some mechanisms including levers, pulleys and gears allow a smaller force to have a greater effect.

Endangered species and their conservation

Through an investigative activity, students will use clues and evidence, as well as cross-curricular skills like maths, to learn about one of the most endangered animals we have here at Chessington. We will be looking at why they are endangered, and exactly what this means. Students will learn about different types of conservation, including in the wild, at the zoo, and at home, by working together to finance their own conservation project to help this endangered species.

Learning Outcomes:

• To understand what endangered means, and to be able to identify some endangered species.
• An introduction to conservation, what this means, and how humans can help endangered species and habitats.
• To understand the costs of conservation, and use maths and other skills to work out their own conservation plan.

Curriculum Points:

• Recognise that living things have changed over time.
• Explain effects of environmental changes on a species’ population.

Fantastic Forces

During this workshop, students will look at some of the different examples of forces, and the way that they are used in the operation of theme park rides at the resort. We will also discuss the use of forces in nature, by looking at some of the most extreme animals on the planet. Students will then demonstrate examples of these forces in action with a practical activity and use of cross-curricular skills.

Learning Outcomes:

• To be able to identify different types of forces.
• To understand how these forces are used in action, specifically in our rides here at Chessington.

Curriculum Points:

• Speed and the quantitative relationship between average speed, distance and time (speed = distance ÷ time).
• Forces: associated with rubbing and friction between surfaces, with pushing things out of the way; resistance to motion of air and water.
• Non-contact forces: gravity forces acting at a distance.
• Forces being needed to cause objects to stop or start moving, or to change their speed or direction of motion.

Business & Tourism

A classroom-based workshop where we will be looking at what goes on behind the scenes at Chessington World of Adventures and even Merlin Entertainments from a business perspective to understand how we are able to create, develop and continue the magic. There will be insights into how we market ourselves through advertising and the different platforms available to us, as well as an opportunity to put those skills into action.

Learning Outcomes:

• To understand the Merlin Entertainments business, and how it operates.
• An introduction to the different departments, needs, and opportunities that go into running a business.

Curriculum Points:

• Different types of leisure and tourism organisations.
• The reasons why people use leisure and tourism facilities.
• How leisure and tourism organisations operate as businesses.
• Employment opportunities in the leisure and tourism industry.
• The importance of recognising similarities and differences of: attitudes and cultures
• Where people go in their leisure time and why they select their chosen destination(s)
• Visitor attractions and activities, both in the UK and internationally

Careers & Aspirations

A classroom-based session which will look into the wide variety of different careers that make up our resort theme park and zoo. We will cover all aspects of our attraction including why each of these are important to our guests. There will be quotes and advise from different experts at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, as well as information on how to get into these roles.

ZOO ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

This workshop is aimed at FE and HE students, particularly those studying an Animal-related subject, Psychology, Behaviour, and Biology.

A flexible workshop that covers various different elements of zoo animal husbandry, especially exploring the unusual running of a zoo alongside a theme park. This workshop will look at subjects such as zoo animal behaviour, environmental enrichment, enclosure design, and positive reinforcement training.

This workshop is classroom based, but includes visual aids, examples of zoo animal husbandry here at Chessington World of Adventures that students can look out for during their visit, and hands on activities.

Careers & Aspirations

A classroom-based session which will look into the wide variety of different careers that make up our resort theme park and zoo. We will cover all aspects of our attraction including why each of these are important to our guests. There will be quotes and advise from different experts at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, as well as information on how to get into these roles.