Clay hedgehogs

M Shed, an interactive museum of Bristol’s harbour side, has revealed two new workshops running on various dates between November and February, which are suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils.

The workshops, titled Wildlife Safari Photography and Amazing Animals, can be used to support studies in Science and History. Both workshops are supported by the M Shed’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Bristol safari

The Wildlife Safari Photography workshops are available to book between 15th November and 23rd January. These sessions are led by a professional wildlife photographer, Iain Green, drawing on the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, for real examples.

Pupils will work in small groups to capture the living environment of the dockside using digital compact cameras before presenting their pictures.

They will learn about the work of a wildlife photographer; practice working to a photography brief; develop their understanding of camera equipment; and practice their observation and photography skills.

Meet a hedgehog

The Amazing Animals workshops, meanwhile, are available to book between 19th January and 22nd February. Suitable for Key Stage 1 pupils, the sessions will see the class study images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, get up close to animal exhibits from the museum and encounter a real hedgehog.

This session begins with an introduction to some of the wildlife images. Children will then work in groups, taking part in hands-on activities, to discover more about a range of species and their habitats.

Pupils will compare animal species and understand why each animal has certain characteristics; describe how certain habitats meet different needs of animals; meet a local conservation expert and her hedgehog; and create a mini clay hedgehog to take home.

Bookings can be made for both of these sessions by calling 0117-352 6600 or e-mailing museumbookings@bristol.gov.uk.

For further information visit www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed.