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Botanist teaches children about trees
Posted: 20th November 2019The difference between evergreen and deciduous trees has been taught to young children – in their wellies in the great outdoors.
Year 1 pupils at Magna Carta Primary Academy had a hands-on lesson with visiting botanist Rachel Hamilton.
Pupils got to look at and handle oak tree leaves and acorns, holly leaves and berries, conkers and chestnuts in their classroom before heading out to the school field to identify the trees around them.
Rachel, whose granddaughter attends the school, said: “I am passionate about sharing my love of plants.
“I think it is important to not just tell children what things are, but to explain why things are the way they are and to introduce them to some basic science.”
A leaf from every tree in the school grounds was given to pupils after the visit and they were challenged to identify which were evergreen and which were deciduous.
Year 1 teacher Jackie Young said: “Our science topic at the moment is evergreen and deciduous trees and understanding the difference. We have been learning about the different parts of a plant and their functions.
“A visit like this gives a practical element to their learning which takes things a step further than just talking about it in class.”