- View more resources from this publisherOpen Air Laboratories (OPAL)
- View more resources from this publisherBig Lottery Fund
OPAL Surveys
This collection consists of six field work investigations which relate to the curriculum areas habitats, interdependence and adaptation and the environment. Each survey includes a workbook, field guide and identification guide where appropriate.
The surveys are:
* Bugs Count - what bugs are living near you?
* Climate survey - how do we affect our weather and climate?
* Biodiversity survey - what wildlife is supported by your hedge?
* Water survey - what creatures are lurking in your pond?
* Air survey - what can lichens tell us about air quality?
* Soil and earthworm survey - which earthworms are living in your local area?
The surveys have been running since 2007 and finish at the end of 2012 however the resources may be used as stand-alone classroom activities to support the learning of science and environmental topics. The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) project encourages people from all backgrounds to get back in touch with nature and will also generate valuable scientific data concerning the state of our environment. The entire OPAL portfolio has a total of 15 partners working together to deliver a total of 31 projects, and is headed by Imperial College, London.
Resources
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Bugs Count - What Bugs Are Living Near You?
Carry out a survey on how many bugs are found in a certain area and add to a national survey. This resource fits in with the curriculum topics of animals in the local environment, habitats, and interdependence and adaptation.
There are six key species to watch out for: Two-spot Ladybird, Devil’s Coach Horse...
Climate Survey - How Do We Affect Our Weather and Climate?
This resource can be used when teaching about the weather and environment. It contains four activities which are:
* Measuring contrails in the sky
* Measuring wind direction at cloud height
* Using bubbles to measure wind direction at our height
* Answering questions about how hot or cold...
Water Survey - What Creatures Are Lurking in Your Pond?
This resource investigates the pollution of a local pond or lake by looking at the species which are able to live in it. Some species struggle to survive in polluted waters, while others are more tolerant. The resource may be used when teaching about animals in the local environment, habitats, water and improving...
Biodiversity Survey - What Wildlife Is Supported by Your Hedge?
This resource is suitable for use when teaching habitats, plant and animals in the local environment and interdependence and adaptation. There are detailed notes on how to make a bug spy pot to observe any animals closely for a short time. Also included are a workbook, field guide, invertebrate guide and group...