Year 4 visit Kew Gardens

Today Year 4 thoroughly enjoyed exploring Kew Gardens, where we learnt lots about the fascinating array of plants that can be found in the rainforest. Everyone was amazed at the variety of plant life found in the Palm House. We also discovered that many products we use in our homes contain ingredients taken from rainforest plants.

We also looked closely at the ways leaves are adapted to their rainforest habitat. The children identified drip tips, which enable excess water to run off, and buttress roots, which provide extra stability. We also discovered that epiphytes are plants that live on the surface of other plants, especially on the trees and branches, as this helps them to take advantage of the sunlight in the canopy.

For many, the treetop walk was a highlight of the day. From here we could all appreciate just how high the canopy and emergent layers of the rainforest really are!

The children also enjoyed visiting the Marianne North art gallery. We were interested to learn that her paintings had provided evidence of species previously unknown.

Lastly, we compared plants found in a desert biome to those found in a tropical biome. This will help us with our science habitat work back at school.

A very enjoyable and educational day was experienced by all.

‘It was amazing and my favourite part was the tree top walk.’ - Tillie.

‘My favourite part was the Marianne North gallery, as there were so many brilliant paintings in such a small building.’ - Luke.

‘It was very educational.’ - Jago.

‘When we went up to the top of the Palm House, it was like being in the canopy layer of the rainforest.’ - Sophia.

‘My favourite part was seeing the piranha and the dart frog. I think the turtle looked very cute. The trip was super duper amazing!’ - Stanley.

The teachers are sure that the children will use their fascinating new knowledge to produce some super information texts about rainforest plants!