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Rat Rattus norvegicus Classification: Mammal Previous Lifespan: 2 - 3 years ​ Threats: Large birds of prey and human activity ​ Distribution: The black rat and the brown rat live virtually everywhere that human populations have settled ​ Habitat: Rats nest in burrows but can be found in lofts, attics, under eaves and even in cavity walls. They will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items to make nests ​ Appearance: The black rat is between 16–24cm in length, with a tail longer than the head and body. It grows to between 150–200g in weight. They have a pointed nose, large ears and a slender body ​ Diet & Feeding: In the wild, they’ll often feed on grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables ​ Social Behaviour: Rats commonly groom each other and sleep together. Rats are said to establish an order of hierarchy, so one rat will be dominant over another one ​ Males and females: Male rats are nearly always larger than females, often growing to as much as twice the size of a small female. Their fur will feel a little coarser and sometimes look a bit unkempt ​ Number of young: A female producing up to five litters a year. The gestation period is only 21 days, and litters usually number around 7 ​ Interesting fact: Rats are very social and will take care of injured and sick rats in their group Next

Evolution KS 1, 2. First, Second, Stage. Ages 5 - 11. ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Charles Darwin travelled from England, to South America, then to New Zealand, Australia, and finally Africa on the HMS Beagle. ​ This fun and exciting voyage inspired Darwin and his theories. You’ll get to meet some of our extraordinary animals, similar to the species Darwin himself saw and recorded. ​ This is an excellent workshop for classes learning about historical figures, evolution, adaptations, geography, and habitats. Key Workshop Objectives: Discuss Charles Darwin’s early life. Explain the theory of evolution Chronicle the path that the Beagle took across the world Note the evolutionary history and divergences of the animals used. Includes: Free Printable Resources Animals often used in this workshop: Entertainment Animal requests will be accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee attendance. Book Now! Darwin’s theory of natural selection During his visit to the Galapágos Islands, Charles Darwin noted the variety of life between the different islands. ​ 28 years after his expedition, Darwin released has theory of evolution by natural selection; challenging the religious views of the time. ​ Studying the Galapágos finches, mockingbirds and tortoises, Darwin observed that differences in characteristics could be seen between islands. ​ Those which had evolved with adaptions best suited to their habitat were more likely to survive and breed, passing these characteristics on to the next generation (inheritance) to ensure survival of the species. CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND Looking for something different? Check out our full range of workshops! More Primary Workshops Customers also booked: Rainforest Adventurer More Information Habitats More Information ZooLab Environmental Time Machine More Information Minibeasts More Information

Next The Last Present EYFS, KS 1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 1 - 5 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Join ZooLab on a festive adventure told through storytelling, rhyme, and animal encounters! Join Santa as he searches for the recipient of an undelivered present in his sack. ​ As he retraces his route to check everyone has a gift, we visit the homes of our animal friends to see their habitats and how they spend Christmas. ​ The Last Present is an active-learning, story-based workshop for younger children, allowing them to contribute with rhyme and festive cheer. Learning Outcomes Seasonal Script – Christmas. Teaches about different animal habitats. Themes of inclusivity, kindness, and helping others. BOOK NOW You'll get to meet some of these animals: To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Free Printable Resources with every workshop Why learn through storytelling? Using storytelling as a mechanism in teaching involves structuring learning around a narrative. It helps children (and adults) make sense of issues and topics by engaging them in a story, making facts easier to remember and participants more open to learning. ​ The benefits of learning through storytelling does not stop at increasing knowledge of the subject area - storytelling encourages creativity, expands vocabulary, increases attention span and helps to reinforce morals. Meet the gang! Our ZooLab characters are excited to meet you! Meet the animals Get in the know before getting up-close and hands-on Check out our workshops Our educational workshops hit curriculum outcomes Meet the Rangers We've got the best bunch! Which Ranger will visit you?

I’m Bunji. The White’s Tree Frog is from Australia. The name Bunji means ‘mate’ in Aboriginal. I’m fun, friendly and confident. White's green tree frogs are not bothered by people or human disturbance and are often encountered around dwellings or in the sink, bath or toilet! I’m sociable and independent. These frogs are not aggressive and show little in the way of group structure. In the wild White’s Tree Frogs live alone. I love water and swimming. White’s tree frogs absorb water through their skin, so they must always be kept damp. I love science and maths. Scientists studying frog’s skin have discovered it has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Our Early Years workshops motivate and stimulate young children to help growth and development. Early Years Learn more! Our Primary workshops are curriculum based, delivering fun, educational experiences across all subjects. Learn more! Primary School Our Secondary workshops provide a fun and engaging curriculum centred learning experience for all. Secondary School Learn more! Everybody's different! That's why we tailor all our session to your specific educational needs and requirements. Learn more! ASN | SEND | ALN ZooLab brings you educational animal encounters that will excite and engage STEM pupils. STEM Learning Learn more! We work closely with Multi Academy Trusts to achieve learning outcomes, and to entertain through our unique animal handling workshops. Learn more! Multi Academy Trusts

Hari Gill ZooLab Ranger Hari joined ZooLab in 2023 and works in Manchester and the surrounding areas. Licence Number: AWEXH003 ​ Experience: Hari has had a background with animals since he was born. He’s worked in zoos and farms across the northwest, and has had an interest in reptiles for years. ​ About: “My favourite ZooLab animal is Coal the corn snake. Her pattern is just gorgeous and her temperament is amazing too.” ​ Interesting Fact: Hari loves going to Yellowstone National Park. “It’s such an amazing place, not to mention the wolves!” Previous Next

Rainforest Adventurer (EYFS) EYFS, KS 1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Go on an action-packed adventure through the rainforest layers with ZooLab’s expert Ranger! Explore the layers to uncover a range of exotic critters. ​ From stepping over snails on the forest floor to watching dancing stick insects in the understorey, seeing how snakes climb and tarantulas jump out of burrows - you may even get to meet a canopy-dwelling tree frog too. It’s all part of an approach that combines storytelling and drama to bring the rainforest to life, help children discover biodiversity and to get a first hand look at how what happens in the rainforest can affect us all. Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Define tropical rainforest Determine the locations of tropical rainforests in relation to the equator Explore the forest floor, understorey, canopy and emergent layer Discuss adaptations of rainforest animals Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! What is a Rainforest? Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystem! They can be found on every continent except Antarctica and have an annual rainfall greater than two meters. ​ There are two different types of rainforest - temperate and tropical. Tropical rainforests are found near the equator and have an average daily temperature of 28°C - the hot, humid atmosphere creates a unique ecosystem full of biodiversity. ​ Rainforests consist of four layers: the forest floor, understory, canopy and emergent layer. Rainforests once covered 14% of Earth’s surface but this has plummeted to 6% - it is estimated that we lose one and a half acres every second! With over half the planet’s species residing here, it is vital that humanity protects this important resource. "All the children were able to be actively involved in the session and came out with lots of enthusiasm for the start of our new project on Minibeasts" Name to go here. Customers also booked: Charles Darwin Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Find out more! Climate Cruisader Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Book Now! African Explorer Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Book Now!

Resources The fun doesn't stop when your ZooLab visit is over. Print off our fun worksheets to continue the fun! ​ Whether you're silly about sudoku or crazy for colouring-in, you're sure to have a WILD time! Teacher's Resources All our core workshops come with their own set of curriculum based resources! These learning outcome orientated worksheets help expand on and reinforce the learning of your ZooLab visit. ​ ​ Bees are vital to our survival on this planet - our worksheets explain how climate change affects bee population and what we can do to help save the bees! This year’s climate summit in Scotland is the world’s last best chance to avert climate catastrophe. By implementing change now and educating future generations can we tackle climate issues head on. Dowload ZooLab's Bee Resources Now! Teacher's Resources ZooLab Fun Packs! Printer Friendly Cockroach Fun Pack Meet our Cockroach! Printer Friendly Frog Fun Pack! Meet our Tree Frog Printer Friendly Rat Fun Pack! Meet our Rat! Printer Friendly Scorpion Fun Pack Meet our Scorpion! Printer Friendly Snail Fun Pack! Meet our Giant Snail! Printer Friendly Snake Fun Pack! Meet our Corn Snake! Printer Friendly Spider Fun Pack! Meet our Tarantula! Printer Friendly Stick Insect Fun Pack! Meet our Stick Insect! Invites, Certificates & Colouring in! Anti Bullying Certificate Congratulations Certificate Colouring In: Spider Colouring In: Cockroach Colouring In: Corn Snake Colouring In: Frog Colouring In: Millipede Colouring In: Snail Colouring In: Rat Party Invite Pet Resources A4 Promotional Poster Native Species Parent/Guardian Letter

Chinese New Year EYFS, KS1; Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 11 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Learn about Chinese New Year the ZooLab way! We bring some of the animals that feature on the Chinese calendar and you’ll also hear about the other ZooLab animals that didn’t make it across the river to be one of the select group. ​ Linking to literacy skills, science and geographical knowledge, young children get to hear a story that illustrates that there is more than one way of looking at the world. Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Compare Chinese New Year traditions to our own Explore Chinese tradition and mythology Discuss animal adaptations in relation to the story of the Zodiac Encourage listening, participation and imagination Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! What is the Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year, doesn’t start on the 1st January; instead it is marked by the start of the new moon (Chinese New Year is often referred to as the Lunar New Year). The date changes every year but always falls 21 January - 20 February. ​ The new moon marks the start of the Spring Festival - a 16 day celebration to mark the beginning of spring. Families come together, banquets and parades are held, fireworks and red lanterns can be seen on the streets around China and red envelopes are given to children by their elders. "All the children were able to be actively involved in the session and came out with lots of enthusiasm for the start of our new project on Minibeasts" Name to go here. Customers also booked: Charles Darwin Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Find out more! Climate Cruisader Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Book Now! African Explorer Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Book Now!

Next Henry's Senses EYFS, KS 1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 1 - 5 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins OVERVIEW: Our story is about Henry (and his pet rat, called Beans). Together, they learn about all they animals that they meet whilst exploring local habitats, big and small! Henry learns about senses and how animals use them with their surroundings. Children will be able to relate them to their own and have an opportunity to explore senses (but not taste, yuck) with some members of ZooLab’s animal team. Learning Outcomes Teaches about different habitats and how animals use their senses in their environments. BOOK NOW You'll get to meet some of these animals: To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Free Printable Resources with every workshop Why learn through storytelling? Using storytelling as a mechanism in teaching involves structuring learning around a narrative. It helps children (and adults) make sense of issues and topics by engaging them in a story, making facts easier to remember and participants more open to learning. ​ The benefits of learning through storytelling does not stop at increasing knowledge of the subject area - storytelling encourages creativity, expands vocabulary, increases attention span and helps to reinforce morals. Meet the gang! Our ZooLab characters are excited to meet you! Meet the animals Get in the know before getting up-close and hands-on Check out our workshops Our educational workshops hit curriculum outcomes Meet the Rangers We've got the best bunch! Which Ranger will visit you?

I’m Ferb! The mongolian gerbil is one of around 110 gerbil species, but it is the most popular to have as a pet. I am from the desert. They are known to typically inhabit grassland, shrubland and desert areas in countries such as Mongolia, China and Russia. I love my family. Gerbils are very social animals, they’re usually quite affectionate with each other. I’m fun and love to play! They are always digging, climbing, sniffing, running, chewing and investigating everything around them.

Human Impacts On The Environment KS 3, KS 4; Third, Fourth. Ages 11 -16. ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Never before has environmental learning been so important and the time to act is now. Like Greta Thunberg, we strongly support the environmental passion of teens through the UK - Human Impacts on The Environment was created to feed into this thirst for knowledge and continue inspiring change. ​ In this workshop we explore the combination of human activities that has led to the climate crisis - from greenhouse gases to the negative effects of tourism and what we can do to help care for our planet and reverse some of the damage caused. Key Workshop Objectives: Define global warming Explore global warming’s effects Consider the pros and cons of tourism Discuss the environmental impacts of plastic pollution Identify endangered species and protection mechanisms Assess natural, renewable, non-renewable and sustainable resources Consider sustainability Includes: Free Printable Resources Animals often used in this workshop: Animal requests will be accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee attendance. Book Now! What is Climate Change? Climate change is ‘a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. It is clear that our planet is rapidly changing, so protecting the environment and conserving natural resources for future generations and wildlife is of paramount importance. ​ Climate change, global warming and the environmental effects not only impacts people’s livelihoods and communities; it is detrimental to animal populations through habitat loss and the restriction of food sources. The effects of global warming have become so bad that scientists believe that we have entered the Earth’s sixth period of mass extinction with 1 million species under threat. CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND Looking for something different? Check out our full range of workshops! More Secondary Workshops Biomimetics More Information Rainforest Unwrapped More Information Symbiosis More Information Classification More Information