Seeds, Plants and People
Explore a range of seeds, live plants and artefacts in this exciting, hands-on workshop.
Discover how seeds are dispersed, why we need plants and how plants are used by peoples around the world.
After an introduction to the life cycle of a flowering plant and seed dispersal, children will explore three stations. They will observe real seeds and find out how they are spread; explore a variety of plants and their uses in everyday products; learn about cultures by discovering plant-based artefacts from around the world. We will finish by discussing why we cannot live without plants and how to protect them.
The Horniman is the perfect place to explore your topic further. Explore our incredible 16 acres of Gardens, to discover a wide variety of plants, from our Grasslands Garden to Prehistoric Garden, Dye Garden and Nature Trail. You can also explore the uses of plants as resources in our World and Music Galleries: from clothing to toys to musical instruments.
Learning Objectives
- Pupils will be able to describe different methods of seed dispersal
- Pupils will understand that plants are used in different everyday products
- Pupils will be able to identify specific plants used for particular products
- Pupils will be able to give an example of how plants are used by a group of people in a different part of the worl
Pupils will be handling live plants and seeds in this session. If you have any pupils with allergies, please let us know when you make a booking.
Please note that our Natural History Gallery is now closed as part of a major two-year redevelopment, Nature + Love. The rest of our Galleries, displays and Gardens will be open as usual, with plenty across the site to support your topic (including our Music and World Galleries). Our schools workshops are unaffected.
We will be opening a free temporary exhibition about the natural world, animals and their habitats, in September 2024.
Resources
Workshop information
How to book
Booking a taught session includes a welcome briefing on arrival, timed access to a lunch space, cloakroom facilities and access to toilets for the exclusive use of school groups.
Contact us to make a booking:
schools@horniman.ac.uk
020 8291 8686
When you contact us please have ready:
– the name of the taught session you would like to book or topic you are studying,
– 1st/2nd/3rd choice of date and preferred session time,
– the number of pupils and adults attending.
Costs
Entrance to the Horniman Museum and Gardens is free of charge. Taught sessions and access to some exhibitions are charged for. We invoice after your visit.
The following charges apply:
Mainstream State schools: £90 including VAT, £75 excluding VAT
Private/independent schools: £129.60 including VAT, £108 excluding VAT
SEND schools and groups: £45 including VAT, £37.25 excluding VAT
We offer a bursary scheme for schools that meet a set criteria.
Planning your visit
See the School Trips page for other essential information including our risk assessment.
We are open from 10am-5.30pm. Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is free of charge but must be booked in advance by emailing schools@horniman.ac.uk.
We offer reduced educational rates for our Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Temporary exhibition. See the School Trips page for further information.
Charges apply to all children aged 3 years and over, and all accompanying teachers and adults, unless they are specific 1:1 carers.