1. On the map

This is an activity to do before your visit. Students fill in 12 landmarks and geographical points on a blank Inlet map. They are given the opportunity to add further known areas and to identify areas they will visit. The answers are given, but you could choose not to issue the answer page, and include it in a post-visit classroom discussion or activity.

2. Watching the tides

This is an observation activity which teaches students about tide levels. Each group of students will need some equipment for this activity: a watch, some numbered marker sticks and a hammer. A camera would allow students to take photos of the tide markers and incorporate these into a post-visit report. The worksheet gives simple information about tides and what causes them.

3. Shapes on the shore

Students observe different animals and plants and classify them according to shape. This activity lends itself to post-visit artwork using the shapes they have identified.

4. Animal tracks on the shore

Students observe animal tracks and think about the reasons for the shapes.

5. Make a soundscape

Students listen, note down sounds, then construct a soundscape with three or four others, either on site or back in the classroom.

6. Looking for letters

Students find objects beginning with given letters of the alphabet. This can be a team competition if you wish. You could have a blank poster back at your visit base on which each team notes the objects they have found. Be sure that they understand they must apply the conservation code during this activity: they note down animals and plants they see, but they do not disturb or remove them. This activity can be the basis for graph-making.

7. Scavenger hunt

This activity has a strong environmental protection focus. Students find things that are not part of the Inlet's natural environment, then describe how they threaten the plants and animals.

8. Comparing shellfish of the mudflats

Students look at the features of three Inlet shellfish and identify similarities and differences. To extend this work into a deeper understanding of the Inlet's cockles, you may like to read the cockle pages on our website.

9. Be a writer for the day

For this activity, students could usefully take a camera with them. They make notes about the Inlet and take photos if possible. As a post-visit activity, they use their notes and photos to write a newspaper article or design a brochure encouraging families to visit. You could extend this activity by encouraging the students to do further research on an aspect of the Inlet that interests them.

10. Birdwatching

Students make a tally of birds seen in a 10-minute period. They closely observe one of the birds, then back at school they write or give a talk about the chosen bird. In this activity, students should go into the bird hides in small groups, with an adult in each group.

11. Be a careful watcher

This is a point-scoring observation game, which could be a team activity. Post-visit, you could develop some maths activities from it.