Aqua Explorer by Aqualease North West England
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Areas served:
West Midlands, Yorkshire, North West
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Self-Led Workshops | Wild Learning | School Workshops | Animal Workshops | Science
What are our school workshops like?
Rock pools are a unique habitat. During low tide, the sea unveils a plethora of interesting species left behind in rocky levels, each one equipped to cope and adapt to constantly changing environments. Only if situated in an area close to the sea and when the tide is taught at the correct time, can an individual enjoy the fascinating formations and species of a rock pool. Thanks to Aqualease – this is about to change!
The Aqualease Rock Pool experience is an innovative service which has been cleverly and carefully developed by the company’s highly experienced marine rangers and our credible staff, to link in with many aspects of the national curriculum. It delivers information, activities and a remarkable hands-on experience right to the classroom desk. Pupils are able to enjoy two and a half hours of fascinating facts, combined with a chance to get up close and personal with rock pool species such as Mussels, Crabs, Blennies and Starfish.
Areas Visited
North West
North Wales
West Yorkshire
South Yorkshire
Staffordshire
West Midlands
Term time
What is typically included on our school trips?
Aqualease’s extraordinary rock pool experience compiles 7,723 miles of British coastline into one small, digestible learning session. The talk provided by our team of marine rangers encourages children to use their initiative to work within a team to share ideas and discuss various topics surrounding native species and their coastline habitats. The interactive environment is both stimulating and unforgettable.
An introduction of the rock pool’s inhabitants opens up the meeting to encourage students to share their experience of their visits to the coast. Fascinating facts about the formation of rock pools are delivered to the children, together with information about how each species has evolved to survive the crashing waves, changing weather conditions and predators of the ocean. Children are also encouraged to think about conservation.
The Rock Pool Experience, which is set up on the day, is delivered to up to 40 pupils during term time. The class are split into small groups, each focusing on different activities. One at a time, groups will have an opportunity to view the rock pool tank closely, touch, observe and hold some of the animals, asking questions to our friendly marine rangers. Other groups will look at fact sheets and take part in a number of small fun activities using informative worksheets provided.
Group Sizes Catered For
We can cater for classes of up to 40 pupils on a half day experience or up to 150 for a full day with two Rangers.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
A programme of study has been researched and developed by our qualified rangers and educational materials such as fact sheets and fun worksheets are provided as part of the experience. Each student also takes home an educational pack with colouring worksheets and facts to further their knowledge of our country’s precious and wonderful coastline.
The Aqualease Rock Pool Experience covers the following areas of the national curriculum to assist with a child’s development and learning:
- Literacy – creative writing and researching fascinating species living on the British coastline.
- Geography – discussing seas that surround the British coastline and the importance of conservation.
- Science – fish anatomy, vertebrates and invertebrates, carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.
We are happy to provide samples.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Happy for pictures and videos to be taken – please tag us in on social media!
Testimonials
“Today’s Rockpool experience was amazing. Dave the ranger kept the children engaged, with his fun and friendly approach, even babies & toddlers were fascinated. The 2–4-year-olds loved it, they were so interested in the amazing facts and the ranger encouraged them to ask questions. All children were given an information & activity booklet which was a lovely finishing touch. After you had gone, the children couldn’t stop talking about it, the staff have got so many ideas now for activities to extend learning based on this experience. We wouldn’t hesitate to book this again. Thank you, guys, from all the staff & children at Evolution Childcare.”
“Everything was awesome" - Yara
"It was cool" - Lee
"It was so much fun. Thank you for showing the starfish and blenny" - Macy
"It was amazing to see a real rock pool and real creatures" - Kerin
"I think it was excellent. The best thing was the anemone and the star fish" - Nyasha
"I liked the bit where we touched the star fish and the crab" - Monique
"It was just... BRILLIANT" - Diana
"A great experience. I've learnt lots!" - Linda
"I thought it was exciting and fun. I loved it because the animals were cool!" - Taylor
"I think the rock pool was great. I really liked the starfish and crabs" - Craig
"I loved it: we were learning but in a fun way. I want to live in the sea!" - Meghan
"I liked it when we touched the sea creatures" - Morgan
"From my own viewpoint, the children had a great time and obtained an excellent real-life experience which would be difficult to replicate at the beach. I was as amazed by the creatures as they were! Many of our children have never been to the beach, let alone explored a rock pool.” - Jill Catlin, Year 4 Teacher, Hollin Primary School, Manchester
“What a wonderful experience for our Year 1 children! The children loved touching and holding the rock pool creatures and we were all surprised about how soft they felt. One little boy Ryan said, “My favourite creature was the sea anemone as it was squishy and soft and looked like a little jelly fish. The rock pool is quick and easy to assemble and it requires little space. A big thank you to the two Marine Rangers for bringing the seashore into our school!” - Liz Brierley, Y1 Teacher/Deputy Head Teacher, Bowden Primary
