On Friday, 6W visited Downe House, the home of Charles Darwin, for a day of science, history and exploration. We began with a practical investigation inspired by Darwin’s studies of finches. Using different tools to represent beak shapes, we tested which “beaks” were best adapted to pick up various types of food. We made predictions, compared results and discovered how certain adaptations help animals survive. Despite the rain, the children embraced our wet picnic! The gardens, even in the drizzle, were a wonderful backdrop to our learning. In the afternoon, volunteers from the English Heritage Trust gave us a fascinating tour of the house. A highlight was visiting Darwin’s study, where he developed many of his groundbreaking ideas.
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