KS3 Science · Years 7–9
Climate and Biodiversity Investigation
Investigate ecosystems and understand the limits of environmental evidence.
How do the organisms we record and environmental conditions differ between two study habitats?
Pupils investigate living things and habitat conditions through practical scientific enquiry. They compare results, consider possible explanations and explore why evidence collected during one visit answers different questions from long-term climate records.
At a glance
Audience
KS3 Years 7–9; adapted to the class’s prior learning and support needs.
Core focus
Ecosystems, sampling and interpretation, with a separate discussion of longer-term climate evidence.
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.
What pupils investigate
Step 1
Plan and measure conditions
Make a prediction and use a consistent approach to record a selected environmental variable.
Step 2
Sample and compare living things
Use a defined sampling method, check identifications and present findings from two study habitats.
Step 3
Explain and evaluate
Consider ecological explanations, recognise limitations and distinguish the day’s observations from longer-term climate evidence.
Evidence of learning
Pupils produce a sampling record, a data presentation and a supported conclusion. They explain what their investigation can show and what would require further evidence or repeated observations.
Curriculum connections in England
The course supports selected KS3 Science learning about ecosystems and biodiversity, alongside sampling, measurement, data analysis and evaluation. A separate evidence discussion connects the enquiry to learning about human carbon dioxide emissions and climate.
Learning matched to your class
We can support pupils who are new to sampling or extend the challenge through data interpretation, alternative explanations and evaluation. Tell us which ecosystem and climate topics your pupils have already studied.
Planning and inclusions
We agree the habitats, methods, equipment, school support and follow-up arrangements with you before booking. Your quotation confirms the programme, timing and total price. Please share general access needs and travel limits when enquiring.
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 pupils measure climate change during the visit?
No. They collect a snapshot of habitat conditions and recorded organisms. The climate discussion uses longer-term evidence and explains why these are different kinds of information.
Does the survey identify all wildlife at the site?
No. Pupils sample a selected group of organisms and consider what the method may miss.
Will pupils use wildlife technology?
Tools are selected to support the agreed question. Particular devices or camera and sound-recording activities are confirmed during planning.
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 ecosystem investigation
Tell us your year group, current topic, approximate pupil numbers and preferred period. We will discuss a suitable investigation and quotation.