The whole school set off bright and early for a great day at Culzean Castle on Friday.
Primary 1-3 were Castle Explorers where they used activities and games to investigate the castle to look for different types of evidence to help them find out about the past. They were then set the challenge of how to build their own castle. They had to discover the challenges that Robert Adam overcame to build this amazing structure. They had to use their technologies and engineering skills to build their own oval staircase.
Primary 4-7 went on a woodland discovery trail with a biodiversity focus. They were presented with a series of ecological problems and had to use their creativity to identify possible solutions that could be implemented. The children used a branching key for leaves to identify the different types of source trees in the area and then consider the types of wildlife each tree would sustain. They discussed how indigenous trees should be cultivated to improve habitat.
The pupils were also presented with the problems that arise when non-native species of plants and animals have been introduced. They explored the negative impact this has had on native wildlife such as is the case with the rhododendron, the grey vs. red squirrels and the overpopulation of red deer in Scotland. Who knew that honey made from rhododendron flowers is poisonous! The proposed reintroduction of wolves to control deer numbers was a hotly debated issue amongst the group.
After the morning sessions, the children got to explore the grounds and beach areas with time for the obligatory visit to the gift shop before returning home.
# Successful Learners
