School and youth group visits with Education Manager Jen Adams

These popular sessions are suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 in school, homeschooling and external youth groups

Marine mammal science fits into the National Curriculum for KS 1 and 2 in a variety of different areas. These talks have been carefully put together based on the new UK curriculum. See the link below for details

Jen is a self-employed educator trading under the business name Manx Cetacean Education and conducts all educational visits on behalf of MWDW.

Cetaceans in the curriculum

Price list updated November 2022

To book fill out the form below or contact Jen directly to discuss: education@mwdw.net or 393496.

Anagh Coar school assembly

Educational services contact form

11 + 10 =

*Most popular choice* Session followed by Threats and Conservation Issues (2 hrs of teaching) Years 3-6. Single class only. £65

Any of the below sessions followed by measuring out a blue whale in the playground, break time, then back to the class to discuss threats and conservation issues. Using props and the whiteboard, we brainstorm ways we can help keep the oceans clean and how every one of us can take steps to make a difference. This session gets the pupils actively thinking about the world around them and the issues we face, coming up with ideas to make positive changes.

Marine wildlife of the Isle of Man. Suitable for any age. 1hr – Single class £30 -whole year group £50 – entire school assembly £70

An engaging look at whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and basking sharks and how to tell the different species apart. Spot the difference by looking at head shape, fin shape, scarring and colour.  Learn how dolphins and whales communicate, hunt and socialise. Measure out the different species using a 30 metre tape. Tips on how to go out spotting for yourselves and good places to look. Q&A. This talk is ideal for an entire school assembly and can be adjusted to suit any age group. Jen will bring Perkyn the porpoise.

Marine predators – Not Just Sharks and Killer Whales! – Single class £30- whole year group £50

An exciting look at marine predators of all shapes and sizes from around the globe, from octopus to sea snakes, leopard seals to sail fish. How they use mimicry, speed, agility and camouflage to fool their prey and prevent being predated on themselves Perfect if your class are learning about food chains and adaptations.

 

Dolphin habitats and adaptations. Years 5 and 6. 1hr. £30 for a class. £50 for entire year

This exciting session goes into detail about different whale and dolphin species around the globe and how they have adapted to live in different habitats. We look at methods of predation, migration, rearing young and communication from the polar regions through to the tropics, including river dolphins. This session focuses on food chains, adaptation and interdependence and is suitable only for upper KS2. 

Frozen planet – (Nursery, Reception and year 1) 45 mins- single class £30 Frozen Kingdoms (years 5-6) Single class – £30, whole year group £50

Discover the marine wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica by comparing differences between the animals found at each pole and how they survive in such hostile environments. Frozen planet is suitable for very young children and is presented in a story book style. Frozen Kingdoms looks in depth at species of cetacean, pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) and birds that live at the poles and how they have evolved to live successfully within their habitat. This session covers geography, ocean depth/temperature and climate change and introduces pupils to species they probably would not have previously heard of.

New Zealand (years 5 or 6) 1 hr. Single class £30, entire year group £50

How can two islands be so different? Discover the marine wildlife of New Zealand and the Isle of Man by comparing species found in each region and how they have adapted to live in completely different habitats. Discover some very endangered species that are endemic to New Zealand and learn about the geography and water depth surrounding the two regions. As well as whales and dolphins, we look at seals, sea lions and sea birds including albatross.

Youth groups (Rainbows-Guides and Beavers-Scouts) £2 per child. Up to an hour. 

A hands-on, interactive session aimed at small groups:

  • Talk about our 5 local species, spot the difference (colour, beak and fin shape)
  • The differences between whales and dolphins
  • How dolphins find prey using echolocation
  • How whales find food and eat using Baleen plates
  • Social behaviour, how they play and communicate
  • Measuring out the species using a giant 30-metre measuring tape
  • Questions and answers

Outdoor learning – £40 for a class of up to 25 pupils, or £2 per head for youth groups

School and youth talks can be followed up by a land-watch session at a safe coastal location near to your base. This is an exciting way of getting children excited about the outside world and actively involved in data collection and observation techniques.

  • Filling in junior survey forms. Recording sightings of marine mammals and birds.
  • Collecting environmental data
  • Use binoculars to look out
  • Learn about the signs that marine mammals may be in the area

For school trips to run, a minimum of 1 adult per 4 children is required. Please note that due to health and safety there is a maximum group size of 25 children. Binoculars, clipboards, pens and forms are provided. Risk assessment will be provided in advance. You will need your own high vis jackets. 

Please be aware that land-watches can be subject to short notice cancellation due to weather.

Jen with St Mary's School year 4 (July 20)

Measuring out a blue whale at St Mary's school

St Marys School year 4 (July 2020)

Thank you Jen for coming out to our Year 4 children at St Mary’s this week.  The children were really engaged and curious during your talk and it fitted in perfectly with our current learning.   Perkyn the Porpoise was a particularly big hit! We’ll definitely be in touch to book you in for another visit next time we come to this topic. 

Outdoor land watch with Peel 3rd Scouts

Outdoor land watch with Peel Clothworkers

St Ninians Rainbows

Rushen Beavers looking out at the Sound