Education
Programmes for Schools
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Pupils at Peatlands
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The environmental education programmes
at Peatlands Park are based around the natural resources
available. The emphasis is on active involvement by pupils
in order to develop appreciation, understanding and enjoyment
of the environment.
All of the programmes are linked to the Northern Ireland
Curriculum with direct links to the Programmes of Study
for Geography and Science. They also include components
from History, Art and Design and Physical Education and
make an ideal cross-curricular excursion.
The Biodiversity Education Centre at Peatlands is open
all year round to school groups and programmes are available
for all key stages and all abilities. All education programmes
are developed and delivered by qualified teachers.
Click on the links below to access information on peatland
programmes for your Key Stage.
Key Stage 1 & 2 - Peatland Habitat
Programme
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Pupils at Key Stage 1
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This popular, interactive programme
enables children to see, touch and experience the fascinating
wildlife found on our bogs including newts, frogs, dragonflies
and even flesh-eating plants! They will learn the importance
of the bog as a natural resource, the ways in which people
affect this unique habitat and the role it has played in
shaping our cultural heritage.
Core Activities at Key Stage 1 & 2
- Introductory slide show
- Bog garden walk
- Live animal workshop (seasonal)
- Pond dipping
- Sensory activities
- Train ride (seasonal)
- Turf cutting demonstration
- Parachute games and other games
Key links to the Curriculum
- Science: Living Things, Materials
- Geography: The (Natural) Environment
- Cross-Curricular Themes: Cultural Heritage
Other Programmes available from Key Stage 1 & 2
- Pond studies
- Minibeasts
- Woodland habitat
- Natural trails
For further information please contact the Environmental Educator
at peat.Info@doeni.gov.uk
or telephone 028 38 851102.
Key Stage 3 - Peatland Ecosystem Programme
Peatlands represent a unique and valuable ecosystem. This
programme explores the formation, values, uses and reasons
for the dramatic decline of peatlands in Northern Ireland.
Particular attention is focused on the impact of human activities
on this fragile ecosystem and examines the mechanisms that
could be used to protect the remaining peatland resource.
Core Activities at Key Stage 3
- Peatlands slide show
- Live animal workshop on bog animals
- Tour of bog garden to identify bog plant
- Trip on narrow-gauge railway
- Turf-cutting display
- Visit to uncut bog site Mullenakill National Nature
Reserve
Woodland Education programmes are also available for Key
Stage 3
Key Links to the curriculum
- Geography: Ecosystems
- Science /Biology: Environment
For further information please contact the Environmental Educator
at peat.Info@doeni.gov.uk
or telephone 028 38 851102.
Key Stage 4 and A-Level - Peatland
Ecosystem Programme
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Key Stage 4 and A Level pupils
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This programme allows pupils to study
the ecology of the peatland habitat and to investigate the
effects of drainage on this habitat.
The programme includes:
- slideshow outlining the formation, importance, and
impact of human activities on peatlands
- a guided tour of the bog garden where pupils learn to
identify bog plants
- vegetation sampling in cut and in uncut bog
- collection of data on soil temperature, soil moisture,
organic content and pH
- visit to turf-cutting area to see exposed peat bank
and observe traditional method of turf-cutting
Key Links to the curriculum
- Geography: Ecosystems, Coursework
- Science /Biology: Environment, Coursework
Woodland Ecosystem and Woodland Soil education programmes
are also available for Key Stage 4 and A-level.
For further information please contact the Environmental Educator
at peat.Info@doeni.gov.uk
or telephone 028 38 851102.
Vocational/ + 16 Courses
A range of programmes on peatlands and protected sites
are available for students undertaking courses with an environmental
component. Programmes can be tailored to meet specific course
requirements.
For further information please contact the Biodiversity Educator
at peat.Info@doeni.gov.uk
or telephone 028 38 851102.
