List Of Courses
If you are thinking of booking your school tours to FOTA Wildlife Park you're guaranteed a wonderful day out!
All courses and activities are based in Fota Wildlife Park's Education Centre and grounds and must be booked in advance.
Secondary Science Courses
Biodiversity Conservation in the 21st Century
Conservation of the Earth's biodiversity is essential for the long-term future of the planet. This course provides students with an overview of
biodiversity and the role that humans have played in its decline.
- c Biodiversity - What is it ?
- c Factors threatening the earth's biodiversity.
- c Why is biodiversity important?
- c What will be the long-term effects of a reduction in biodiversity?
€13.00 per student
CSPE, Transition and other secondary school years.
9.30am - 3pm all year. Group size 15 min - 100 max.
Ecology Course
The Science of Ecology is essential for understanding the impact of anthropogenic activities on the natural world. Knowledge of ecology has proven to be essential in helping conserve species and their habitats. The
ecology course, on offer to secondary school students, covers the following topics.
- Theory and relevant examples are covered to both junior and leaving certificate standard.
- Review of the importance of abiotic factors.
- Qualitative sampling of woodland fauna utilising the following techniques, Pitfall Traps, Sweep Nets, Pooters, Beating Trays and Cryptozoic Traps.
- Quantitative sampling of woodland flora.
- Random and non-random survey techniques utilising line transects and quadrats.
€14.00 per student
Junior and Leaving Certificate students.
9.30am - 3.00pm all year. Group size 15 min - 120 max.
PRIMARY Science Courses
Primary Teachers, combine fun and learning in a unique setting!! Roam withgiraffes, zebras, monkeys and their many friends through grassland and woodland
settings. Take an opportunity to learn about the many threats which our furry and feathered friends face in the wild and the role Fota is playing in their protection. Learn about the difference each one of us can make in guaranteeing the long term survival of the world's endangered species.
Primary Conservation Explorer Course. (2.5 Hours)
Allow students to explore and become more ecologically aware of native Irish woodlands, through a number of hands on activities. Guided tour of Fota Wildlife Park also included.
€10.00 per student 9.30 - 3pm.
Group size 15 min - 120 max.
Primary School Courses (1.5 hours)
- Woodland Ecology
- Rainforests of the world
- Animal Adaptations - explore features which aid an animals survival in the wild.
€8.50 per student 9.30 - 3pm.
Group size 15 min - 120 max.
Discover Primary Science Courses
Section 5 - Living Things Module
This course is a joint initiative between Fota Wildlife Park and Discover Primary Science programme (DPS). In association with Forfás, the primary conservation explorer course has been designed to complement
Section 5 of the Primary School Science Curriculum strands: Learning about Plants & Animals andEnvironmental Awareness and Care.
The Primary Conservation Explorer course introduces students to the area of ecology and environmental awareness. The course is designed to allow children to become more aware and to engender a respect for
their surroundings through a number of "hands on activities" as outlined below. The course is very much based on a "play" approach to learning.
Basic Ecology (45mins interactive presentation)
A number of habitats from around the globe will be reviewed and their associated animal and plant life will be looked at. Additional ecological concepts such as feeding relationships and adaptations will also
be discussed.
Practical Woodland Survey (1hr30 mins)
Practical Minibeast sampling - Pitfall traps, Pooters and Beating trays. Using a variety of sampling techniques, participants are introduced to the diversity of animal and plant life in an Irish woodland. Differences in body structure and colouration will also be explained.
Who eats who? - Food Webbing
Having spent a period of time in the woodland, participants will obtain a knowledge of the different animals and plants living there. The aim of this activity is to place emphasis on the general idea of
linking chains to form a food web. The importance of all living creatures in the ecosystem and the complex interactions that exist between members are discussed. Students will also begin to recognise the
impact of human actions on the environment and will come to appreciate the importance of conserving the diversity of life.
Guided Tour Of Fota Wildlife Park (1hr45 mins)
The guided tour of the wildlife park is designed to reiterate the various ecological concepts which the students have learnt . The tour will emphasise the importance of each animal species in its native habitat
and will review its ecological requirements.
For further information on the DPS programme and advice on DPS follow-up activities available or to book a place on the DPS programme or alternative programmes please call: (021) 4812678 or email
education@fotawildlife.ie
Important: Classes must be booked in advance and please quote your DPS number at time of booking.
Teachers please note we are happy to tailor a course specifically to your requirements.
All courses and activities are based in Fota Wildlife Park's Education Centre and grounds and must be
booked in advance.
All Discover Primary Science Courses available September to April only.
€10 per student. Group size 15min - 100max.
To get a beeter idea of what your school will see click here for a fota wildlife park education video
How to book
Ring reception (021) 4812678 to make your bookings and get your group discount rate.
Make sure to book your meal at the self-service restaurant in advance if your group requires catering.
Calendar of Events
- Easter Camps (Please Call for dates).
- FOTA Summer Camp July, August. (Please Call for dates)
- FOTA Summer Safari Days (Please call for dates)
- FOTA Halloween Activity Days (Please call for dates)
ADVANCE BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
You are allowed 1 teacher FREE with every 10 students.
If you would like to contact our head of education for bookings or other enquiries please contact:
Lynda McSweeney Walsh
Head of Education
T +353-021-481 2678 or 021-481 2736 during office hours
F +353-021-481 2744
E info@fotawildlife.ie
