Biology Fieldtrip

Year 13 Biology Fieldtrip to Dale Fort, Pembrokeshire

Year 13 Biology students had a fantastic time at Dale Fort studying the rocky shore ecosystem and looking for patterns of distribution of some of the organisms that survive there. Students were able to collect data and analyse how the height above chart datum affected where different organisms were found, such as purple top shells and limpets.

Students then had an opportunity to catch and use some Sand Hoppers in a choice chamber to see which conditions they prefer. The Sand Hoppers were fairly tricky to catch, and the students had fun coming up with various methods of catching them!

We then headed to a salt marsh which we used as a model of succession, and the students used point frame quadrats to look at the variety of species that are found at different points in the salt marsh. Some students also managed to get themselves stuck in the mud!

We ended the trip with a chromatography practical in the laboratory at Dale Fort, comparing the various chlorophyll pigments in different seaweeds.

I would like to congratulate and say thank you to all the students who put so much effort into making the most of their experience, and to Ms McKenna and Miss Adams for driving the students all the way to Dale Fort.

Mrs Bryan, Deputy Head of Science, Head of Biology