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Senses & Textures (EYFS) EYFS, KS 1; Early Years, First Stage KS 1. Ages 3 - 7 ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: We’re going to use our senses to meet our animals and find out how they use their senses? How do they look, sound, smell and what they feel like? ​ Children get to explore and understand how animals use their senses within their habitats. How do animals perceive their surroundings and how well are their senses adapted to them? Children make hands-on discoveries of textures and senses in an animal handling experience that is suitable for everyone from new intake to SEN classes. Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Define a humans 5 senses Discuss what animals look, sound, smell and feel like. Identify ZooLab’s animal’s senses Explain how animals use their senses within their habitats Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! What are senses? Senses are how our bodies perceive of an external stimulus. Humans have five basic senses - sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. The information gathered from the associated organ is sent to the brain to help us understand our environment and the world around us. ​ Our bodies are amazing! Did you know that it is thought that we could have around 21 senses? These include proprioception (space perception), equilibrioception (balance) and thermoception (temperature). Animals use senses to help them navigate their habitats. The use of senses differ between species to suit the environment that they are in - some rely on some senses more than others or have unique senses like the ability to see infrared and electric fields (how coolis that!?) "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!

I’m Bella! The Chilean rose tarantula is from South America. Bella means ‘beautiful’ in Spanish. I’m calm & friendly. Chilean rose tarantulas are generally quiet and calm animals. I love hair & beauty. As they grow, a Chilean rose tarantula will shed their hair and moult their skin. But I also like digging in the dirt. These are the hardy ground-dwelling, burrowing spiders. They don't spin webs to catch their prey – they are ambush predators. I can get annoyed easily. These spiders have small hairs covering their body which they can throw in defence. These cause itchiness and redness. Chilean rose tarantulas feed on a variety of invertebrates as well as small vertebrates like mice, frogs and lizards.

African Explorer KS 1, First Stage. Ages 4 - 7 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: What better way to explore Africa than on a ZooLab safari! A ZooLab Ranger will take you on foot, jeep and kayak around Africa’s varied habitats. ​ On our travels you will learn about the fantastic large creatures found in Africa and meet some smaller creatures that call this continent home. ​ Learn about African habitats and animals, the equator, conserving the rhino and even how to say hello and goodbye in Swahili! Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Explore habitats and a series of micro-habitats Identify all 7 continents Compare the characteristics of ZooLab’s animals to those found in Africa Discover issues effecting animals in Africa Encourage listening, participation and imagination Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! 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. "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!

HABITATS What is a habitat? A habitat is a place that an animal lives. It provides the animal with food, water and shelter. There are many different sorts of habitats around the world from forests to grasslands and from mountain slopes to deserts. Different habitats are home to different animals. Types of Habitat A habitat meets all the environmental conditions an animal needs to survive. This includes food, water and other animals of the same species to mate with. There are five major types of habitats: Aquatic Desert Forest Grassland Tundra Aquatic Habitat The aquatic habitat includes the seas and oceans, lakes and rivers, wetlands and marshes, and lagoons and swamps of the world. Basically, anywhere with water! ​ Aquatic habitats include every group of animals, from amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates to mammals and birds. Desert Habitat Deserts are places that don’t get much rain, and are very dry. They can be either hot places, or cold places. ​ Because deserts don’t have much water, animals that live in the desert are able to conserve water and keep their body temperature at the right level. Both plants and animals have adapted to be able to live in the desert. Forest Habitat There are many different kinds of forests in different climates, but trees are the one thing they have in common! ​ More than half of the world’s animals live in the rainforest. From big animals like Bengal tigers and orangutans to smaller animals like dragonflies, tree frogs, and at least hundreds of species of ants. Many of the plants and animals in the rainforest haven’t even been discovered yet! Grassland Habitat Grassland habitats cover 40% of earth and are made mostly of grasses. Grasslands are also known as prairies, pampas, steppes, and savannas. ​ Grassland ecosystems can support high densities of grazing animals. They are home to many familiar and fascinating species that live in herds, including zebras and antelopes, and the predators that prey on them, like lions and cheetahs. Tundra Habitat Found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains, Tundra habitats are treeless regions where the climate is cold, windy and has little rainfall. There are relatively few species of plants and animals that live in the harsh conditions of the tundra. They are highly vulnerable to environmental stresses like reduced snow cover and warmer temperatures brought on by global warming. Take our Habitats Quiz!

The Last Present EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7 ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Join ZooLab on a festive adventure told through storytelling, rhyme, and animal encounters! ​ In this yuletide story, we join Father Christmas as he searches for the recipient of undelivered presents at the bottom of 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. Key Workshop Objectives: Spread Christmas Cheer Identify animals that live in different continents Encourage listening participation and imagination Book Now Animals often used in this workshop: Entertainment Animal requests will be accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee attendance. Book Now! 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. CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND Looking for something different? Check out our full range of workshops! More Primary Workshops

African Explorer (EYFS) KS 1, First Stage. Ages 4 - 7 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: What better way to explore Africa than on a ZooLab safari! A ZooLab Ranger will take you on foot, jeep and kayak around Africa’s varied habitats. ​ On our travels you will learn about the fantastic large creatures found in Africa and meet some smaller creatures that call this continent home. ​ Learn about African habitats and animals, the equator, conserving the rhino and even how to say hello and goodbye in Swahili! Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Explore habitats and a series of micro-habitats Identify all 7 continents Compare the characteristics of ZooLab’s animals to those found in Africa Discover issues effecting animals in Africa Encourage listening, participation and imagination Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! 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. "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!

Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa Classification: Insect Previous Lifespan: 6 months - 1 year ​ Threats: Arachnids, ants, tenrecs, and some ground-feeding birds are likely predators ​ Distribution: Madagascar off the African mainland ​ Habitat: Forest floor ​ Appearance: Madagascar hissing cockroach reach 5 - 7cm at maturity. These cockroaches are shiny brown and oval-shaped, with no wings and a single pair of antennae ​ Diet & Feeding: Leaf litter, logs, and other detritus ​ Social Behaviour: They are nocturnal and semi-communal. Males are territorial and have a hierarchy, but they are not social like ants ​ Males and females: Males sport large horns, which give them an unusual and impressive appearance ​ Number of young: Females lay and carry upto 60 eggs inside their bodies ​ Interesting fact: The hiss happens when they exhale air through their breathing holes Next

Rainforest Discovery (Secondary) KS 1, 2, 3, 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage. Ages 5 -14 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Discover the Rainforest from the comfort of your classroom! Let your Ranger take your pupils on an exciting journey through this important ecosystem. Learn about the layers of the rainforest while getting hands-on with our animal team members - find out why this is an ideal habitat and who eats what. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about life in the steamy tropics and why they are coming under threat. Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Define tropical rainforest Determine the locationsof tropical rainforests Explore the forest floor,understorey, canopyand emergent layer Discuss adaptationsof rainforest animals Examine the reasonsfor deforestation 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!

Lily Ingleton ZooLab Ranger Lily joined ZooLab in 2023 and works in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Licence Number: LC202303-118851 ​ Experience: Lily has a degree in Film and Theatre. She then got her PGCE and taught Year 5 at a school. “ZooLab has combined all the things I love: teaching, animals, and putting on a show!” About: “My favourite ZooLab animal has got to be Mickey, my millipede. He makes everyone laugh with his tickly feet and he is always an unexpected hit!” ​ Interesting Fact: Lily used to be a princess for hire. She’s been Belle, Elsa, Anna, Cinderella, Rapunzel and a few more! She also occasionally got to be a Power Ranger or a Jedi too! Previous Next

Zoo On The Broom EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3- 7 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: This rhyming story follows our friendly witch Zog on her broomstick ride through towns, forests and bog. Soon, her broom starts to resemble a zoo! Our helpful and kind witch offers a ride to a selection of amazing animal hitchhikers, who the children will get to meet! However - it’s not all plain sailing. Will Zog’s journey end with a bump?! Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Identify habitats and a series of micro-habitats Discuss the characteristics of different animals Encourage listening, participation and imagination Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! 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. "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!

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