Skip to content
Secondary science trainees visited ZSL London Zoo for their final subject training day of the year, spending the day exploring how outdoor environments can support effective science teaching.
The morning sessions focused on outdoor learning and educational visits. Trainees considered how to prepare pupils for zoo visits that are purposeful, engaging and linked clearly to classroom learning. Discussions also explored the practical side of organising trips and helping students make meaningful connections between scientific ideas and the world around them.
During the visit, trainees attended a species specialist talk about the zoo’s new capybaras before spending time exploring the exhibits across the site. Many used the opportunity to reflect on how animal enclosures, information displays and conservation messaging could support future lesson planning and student activities.
Joanna Igoe, Science Subject Lead, observed:
“The session gave trainees a chance to think differently about how science can be taught outside the classroom. Exploring sustainability and climate education within a live conservation environment helped bring many of those discussions into sharper focus for trainees.”
The afternoon centred on climate change and sustainability education, with trainees exploring a range of ZSL resources designed to support science teaching in secondary schools.
Are you interested in becoming a science teacher?
Learn more about our science teacher training programme and how to begin your journey into secondary science teaching.