Key Stage 2
Our programmes are devised to provide what we term "Essential Environmental Experiences" in the outdoor environment to support the Key Stage 2 curriclum.
Plants in Action
Covering all aspects of Green Plants as Organisms, this topic focuses on the life and uses of plants in the Great Glasshouse, Tropical House or on fruit and vegetables in the Double Walled Garden. Visit the "Simply Plants" hands on exhibition in the Great Glasshouse to learn more about the parts of a plant and life cycles.
Sowing and Growing
A more detailed look at germination, planting and growing seeds. Explore the lifecycles of plants and insects, sow companion plants, cabbages and marigolds in compost made from our own worm composted lunch leftovers. Nurture the plants back in school and take up the pollination challenge.
Life in Ponds
Pond dip in our specially built school ponds and use our class sets of equipment in the Aqualab to identify pond creatures and develop an understanding of adaptations and food chains - Come and study this local aquatic environment in complete safety.
Everyday Choices
for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship.
Our trail explores how the Garden has made choices to ensure we minimise our environmental impact on planet Earth, and describes our role in the Global Plant Conservation Programme. We challenge pupils to consider what everyday choices they can make in school and at home to join us in trying to live more sustainably. This programme is a valuable support to schools following the Eco Schools Scheme.
Rocks and Soils
Is soil more valuable than gold dust? Come to the Garden to find out. Discover the secret recipe for soil, collect ingredients on a garden trail and use them to make your own soil. Group soils using the dirty hands test!
Plants in Medicine
– past, present and future
Pupils will walk a timeline exploring the history of plants in medicine, focusing on Welsh Medicine as we travel from myths and mystery to modern day medicine. Pupils will learn to identify and collect medicinal herbs.
The World in a Welsh Cake
Take a look at traditional foods of Wales such as Bara Brith and Welsh Cakes, look at recipes and the ingredients in a shopping basket. Find out where the plants originally came from and how far your ingredients have travelled. Discover connections with plants from all around the world on a global journey through our glasshouses.
Grape Escape
Can you design and build a raft using only natural materials found at the Garden that will carry a grape down the 200 metre Rill and save it from being juiced.
Global Tree Trail
Discover the life histories of 10 incredible trees at the Garden including the Brecon Whitebeam one of the rarest trees in the world and the Kaki tree grown from a cutting which survived the Nagasaki nuclear bomb explosion in 1945.
Sun Power
Explore how the sun provides energy for photosynthesis and solar powered devices. Come and take part in practical science activities making electrical circuits and learn how we can live in a more sustainable way by using renewable energy.
Water Matters
- sponsored by
Dŵr Cymru
Learn where water in your school comes from and goes to with our Welsh Water teacher Mary Watkins (Science Teacher of the Year) and investigate how to manage water more sensibly through practical activities and games. This programme is only available on special days - 2nd & 7th May, 4th June, 7th & 11th July.
Where have all the Flowers Gone?
Linnaeus wrote in Philosophia Botanica in 1751, “If you do not know the names of things, the knowledge of them is lost too”. Through lane, meadow and wood use observational skills and the expertise of our staff to name Welsh Native Plants and celebrate your new found knowledge through descriptive language and poetry.
Christmas Cake Food Miles
Take a look at a Christmas shopping basket and find out how far your Christmas food ingredients have travelled. Discover their origins and connections with plants from all over the world. Think about the environmental impact of food miles, the options for fair trading and take part in activities and games.
End of year Summer Trip
Celebrate summer with your year group or whole school. We can help you plan a fun day at the Garden including a trip on our famous recycled chip fat powered land train and enjoy the film “The Planet of Plants” in the 360º cinema at the Theatr Botanica.
