During much of the year, the farm is home to horses, ponies and various varieties of cattle, sheep, goats, pig and fowl.

This activity, lasting 30-40 minutes, provides a brief introduction to the different kinds of domesticated livestock found on the farm, how they are cared for, and the products that they provide.

For younger groups the session might simply illustrate life on the farm and the work of the farmer. More advanced groups might use the session to consider how creatures have been selectively bred for specific characteristics; attention will be drawn to the animals physical features (feet, teeth, coat etc) and relate this to their diet and environment. Discussion might then explore how farm animals might be classified into different groups.

Suggested curriculum links

This session is directly aimed at children working from Levels A - D. 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 main external parts of the bodies of farm animals (Level A)

Attainment Outcome: Living things and the processes of life
Strand: Variety and characteristic features
Learning Outcome: To understand more of the obvious distinguishing features of the farm animals (Level B and C)

Attainment Outcome: Living things and the processes of life
Strand: Interaction of living things with their environment
Learning Outcome: To recognise and name animals found in a farm environment (Level A)
To understand how the different farm animals are suited to their environment eg. Mountain billy goats (Level D)

The above Level A outcomes are related to the Renfrewshire Guidelines, Science P1, Unit 3 Lesson 4 and P3, Unit 3 Lesson 1.