Minibeast Trail session guide
Meet the minibeasts
Immersing yourself in the micro-world of minibeasts is one of the most effective ways of learning about nature and is universally loved by all ages.
Handling creatures carefully develops empathy and understanding of how animals vary widely in adaptations to their habitat.
Session Details
Suitable for one class at a time of up to 30 children, this session involves careful observation, identification and classification of a range of invertebrates. All equipment will be provided, including magnifiers, ID guides and sorting pots.
Session length
50 minutes
Required ratio
4 adults : 30 children
Download activity guides
Early Years
Download the EYFS pdf guides for these activities:
Session Overview and Learning Objectives
Activity Guide - Anticlockwise
Key Stage 1
Download the KS1 pdf guides for these activities:
Session Overview and Learning Objectives
Activity Guide - Anticlockwise
Key Stage 2
Download the KS2 pdf guides for these activities:
Session Overview and Learning Objectives
Activity Guide - Anticlockwise
Minibeast information sheets can be downloaded from the resources section for pre or follow up work in the classroom at school.
Session resources
Lay the foundations before your visit, or follow up the session and solidify key learning outcomes with these additional resources:
Identification Guide for common minibeasts
Plenary presentation template with pictures of the key minibeast species
Labelled pictures of the common minibeasts found under logs
Minibeast Sculpture activity sheet
Minibeast Fact Sheets
Video Guide
Minibeast hunting demonstration (3 minutes)
Video guide
Introduction to woodland invertebrates (9 minutes)
Please note: this video contains flashing images