KS2 Science · Years 3–6
Habitats and Wildlife Investigators
Look closely at living things, ask scientific questions and use evidence to explain what you find.
Pupils investigate plants and wildlife through observation, identification and comparison. We match the scientific question to your class’s learning, with distinct pathways for plants, habitats, life cycles and classification.
At a glance
Audience
KS2 Years 3–6; adapted to the class’s prior learning and support needs.
Choose a focus
Plants, habitats, life cycles or classification.
Duration
Up to 4½ hours on site, including lunch and breaks. Timings agreed around school travel.
Location
Seven Sisters Country Park, Hastings Country Park or an agreed suitable local greenspace.
Format
Standalone field day with free self-led follow-on resources.
Class groups
Up to 30 pupils per class. One Naturebytes educator and activity equipment per fieldwork class; school staff accompany and support pupils.
Price
£250 first class; £200 each additional class on the same visit. Optional indoor hire £60/day additional. Transport separate; total payable and any applicable tax confirmed in the quotation.
Choose your learning pathway
These pathways follow year-group curriculum themes. We also take account of your school’s teaching sequence and pupils’ prior learning.
Year 3
Plants in their environment
Examine plant parts and consider how they help plants live. Use observations to ask questions about what plants need to grow.
Year 4
Identify and compare habitats
Explore living things in different habitats, use simple keys and consider how changes to a habitat can affect wildlife.
Year 5
Discover life-cycle evidence
Look for seasonal evidence and use reliable records to explore stages that cannot all be observed during one visit.
Year 6
Classify living things
Compare observable characteristics, explain grouping decisions and test a simple identification key.
What pupils investigate
Step 1
Observe and record
Examine living things carefully and record features relevant to the question.
Step 2
Identify and interpret
Use keys, reference material or life-cycle records to make sense of the observations.
Step 3
Compare and explain
Share findings, explain a scientific idea and consider what more you would need to find out.
Evidence of learning
Depending on the pathway, pupils create labelled plant observations, habitat comparison records, a life-cycle comparison or a classification key. Each pathway ends with an explanation supported by evidence.
Curriculum connections in England
The course contributes to selected KS2 Science content and working scientifically. Each pathway has a defined focus; a single visit does not cover every requirement within a year group’s science programme.
Planning and inclusions
We agree the pathway, location, activities, equipment, school support and follow-up arrangements before booking. Tell us your current topic, pupil numbers, preferred period and general access or learning needs. The quotation confirms the programme and total price.
Each fieldwork class has one Naturebytes educator, prepared activity equipment, field recording materials and essential teacher information. Free self-led follow-on resources are included.
Optional · £250 per class group
Optional follow-on school visit
A Naturebytes educator visits your school to take the learning deeper, helping pupils apply their fieldwork to the school grounds and local area. The visit is £250 per class group. One educator may lead a larger combined group by agreement.
Naturebytes brings technology for one class of up to 30 pupils; agree additional compatible school technology, supporting adults or a suitable rotation beforehand. The format and price are confirmed in your quotation.
Questions teachers ask
Will we see particular animals or life-cycle stages?
Wildlife and seasonal observations vary. Appropriate reference material helps pupils explore examples they cannot see on the day.
Can mixed-year classes take part?
Tell us the year groups and shared learning priorities so we can discuss a suitable pathway and recording tasks.
Does a life-cycle visit replace observations over time?
No. The visit provides first-hand observations alongside reliable records. Repeated classroom or local observations can extend the learning.
Can the timing fit our coach?
The field day lasts up to 4½ hours on site, including lunch and breaks. Share your arrival and departure limits so that we can agree a programme that retains a complete enquiry.
What does the school provide?
Please arrange transport, the agreed accompanying adults and suitable outdoor clothing, footwear, lunch and drinks. School staff accompany the class. Adult roles and pupil support arrangements are agreed before the visit.
Can you adapt the visit?
We discuss the route, recording tasks, pace and support with you. Tell us about general needs at enquiry; detailed pupil information is arranged privately during visit planning.
What happens in bad weather?
We agree the outdoor route, shelter and weather arrangements before booking. Indoor space at Seven Sisters or the Bale House is subject to advance booking and availability. Changes to the programme or date are discussed if conditions make the agreed fieldwork unsuitable.
How much will it cost?
The field day is £250 for the first class of up to 30 pupils, plus £200 for each additional class on the same visit. Optional indoor hire is £60 per day, added separately. Transport is separate. Your quotation confirms the total payable and any applicable tax.
What about larger groups?
Each fieldwork class of up to 30 has an educator and equipment allocation, supported by school staff. We confirm staffing and the timetable before booking.
Can we get funding?
For an eligible visit at Seven Sisters, check the current South Downs Outdoor Learning Grant guidance (opens in a new tab). Applications and awards depend on the scheme’s terms and availability. Follow-on school visits and visits to Hastings are outside this scheme.
Plan your science visit
Tell us which pathway interests you and what your class has already studied. We will discuss a suitable investigation and quotation.