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last updated 31/12/04

Almond Valley Heritage Trust,
Millfield,
Livingston,
West Lothian, EH54 7AR.

phone 01506 414957
fax 01506 497771
info@almondvalley.co.uk

almond valley; a fun-packed day of discovery
Teacher's notes: back to visits
New life on the Farm

From February through to May, a succession of new lambs, kids, calves and other young animals arrive at Mill Farm. Orphan lambs, brought in from other farms, are often hand reared and become very tame. Small lambs require bottle feeding several times a day, but as this has to timetabled to suit the needs of the animal rather than those of the visitor; it's not always possible to guarantee that your group will be able to see (or help) with this.

The demonstration session normally starts off in the "new life" area of the Farm, where there are incubators, chick runs, and small, accessible pens for small lambs and other young animals For primary 1 & 2 groups, the session offers the chance to get close to small, friendly animals and learn about the different inhabitants of the farm and how the farm cares for them. More advanced groups can consider more complicated issues such as growth and nutrition (measuring and weighing animals), or animal husbandry and welfare.

As with all farm based activities, it is essential that the children wash their hands as soon as possible after handling animals, and certainly before eating and drinking. Demonstrators will make this point several times through the session, but we rely on the vigilance of teachers and other adult helpers to ensure that hands are washed effectively and good hygiene practice is maintained

Curriculum Links

This session is aimed at children working at Levels A - C. The information given is in accordance with the 5 - 14 Environmental Studies Guidelines.
Attainment Outcome: Living things and the processes of life
Strand : The Processes of Life
Learning Outcome: To name and identify the farm animals and their young
To explain the conditions needed by these animals in order to stay alive and healthy (Level A)
Attainment Outcome: Living things and the processes of life
Strand : Interaction of living things with their environment
Learning Outcome: To understand how farm produce feeds people (Level B) Attainment Outcome: Living things and the processes of life
Strand : The Processes of life
Learning Outcome: To name the life processes common to the farm animals e.g digestion, breathing etc.(Level C)

back to schools page

  1. New arrivals on the farm
  2. What's hatching?
  3. Meet the animals
  4. Buttermaking
  5. Keep the river clean
  6. Fossil fuels
  7. From fleece to fabric
  8. Lamps and candles
  9. Harvesting the crops
  10. Water power