Cool crab facts and fun learning were the highlight of a day at the seaside for children from Ramsgate Arts Primary.
The visit to Margate was part of the Year 4 science topic Life All Around Us that includes studying and developing clarification keys that pupils used on the beach to identify invertebrates and vertebrates.
The party also enjoyed orienteering, looking to spot living things that live on the beach.
At the Crab Museum in Broad Street – Europe’s only museum dedicated to the world of the decapod – the young science enthusiasts examined the samples they had taken from the beach and looked under the microscope to see what living things they could see.
They also learnt about the different food chains that are present on Margate beach and discovered more about the life cycle of a crab.
The children were able to discuss the impact humans have on their local environment and they discussed ways in which we could reduce the negative impact.
Year 4 teacher Claire O’Flaherty said: “The children had an excellent time being scientists. The Crab Museum’s workshop was engaging and informative. Their team of Chase and Ned are so knowledgeable – the passion they have for crabs and the environment is truly inspiring for the children.”
The Crab Museum team said: “We were thrilled to host Ramsgate Arts Primary School as part of our current outreach program.
“What made our jobs so easy was how well the students were actively participating in the workshops and how much they knew already. It was also heartening to recognise some existing Crab Museum fans among them too and we hope RAPS had a CLAWsome time too.
“We offer free educational trips to local schools, tailored to their curriculum, providing not only a memorable but enriching experience. “This is made possible through successful crowdfunding initiatives as we believe in supporting the education sector in the best way we know how, by providing everybody with free access to cool crab facts and learning about the wider world.”
Crab Facts – The museum’s online website says: “Crabs are incredibly diverse. They are tiny, huge, cute, scary, vulnerable, indestructible and millions of years old. They affect all of our lives in ways many of us don’t even realise – from maintaining the oceans, to helping us with important new medicines. In fact, crabs may well have already saved your life!
“Crabs can teach us about biology, climate change, evolutionary history and much much more. But, with the right frame of mind, they can also teach us about ourselves. This is why we created Crab Museum – to roll science, humour and philosophy into a unique and satisfyingly baffling day out.”
Find out more online at www.crabmuseum.org