Magical Marine Sensory at Portfield School 

Magical Marine Sensory at Portfield School 

More than 100 students from Portfield School recently took part in an annual immersive marine sensory workshop hosted by the Dragon Darwin Experience. Over 3 days, 15 different classes visited the school hall to explore a range of marine themed workstations which were aimed at helping the students to use their senses to discover more about Pembrokeshire’s spectacular marine life. 

The marine sensory medley included: 

·      Seaweed Exploration: Students were able to touch, smell and observe the structure of different seaweed species that had been collected from a local shore. Cosmetics containing seaweed were on display for smelling, and included toothpaste, hand cream, and shampoo.  One of the most popular activities was the seaweed snack table.  Students sampled a range of seaweed-based snacks from crisps to seaweed thins and scored them based on their taste from zero (yuck) to 10 (super yummy). 

·      Marine Microscopy: Students used stereomicroscopes to examine zooplankton from Dale Bay and Tenby. They identified crab larvae, fish larvae, jellyfish, and copious amounts of copepods. 

·     Strandline Treasures: Students used ID guides to help identify different species of local seashells and mermaids’ purses. They really enjoyed exploring the different shapes, colours, and textures. 

·      Plastic Pollution: Students participated in a practical activity identifying natural versus non-natural items found along the shore, fostering awareness of human impacts on the marine environment. 

·      Glowing art: Using fluorescent paint and a range of art materials, students created bright and colourful paintings linked to the coast and chose their favourite marine animals to colour in. 

Amy, Project Officer for the Dragon Darwin Experience, said ‘We had fantastic time at Portfield School working with 15 different classes. Our range of sensory science activities helped them discover lots about Pembrokeshire’s marine life and habitats. It was a delight to see the curiosity, creativity, and engagement from the learners and we are already looking forward to the event next academic year.’