Activity
Equine - The Environment Activity
Social Studies:
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Outcomes and Experiences
SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally-responsible way.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact
Science:
SCN 2-02a: I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs
SCN 3-02a: I can demonstrate my understanding of why plants are vital to sustaining life on Earth.
SCN 3-05b: I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things.
Duration
Materials 20 min
Copy of the A Window into Outdoors pages 26 - 29
Large sheet of paper (A3 or A4) per group/individual
Pencils, coloured pencils, or pens
Optional: Small sticky notes or scrap paper for quick ideas
Activity Instructions
1 Introduction "We're going to think about how horses and the equine industry connect with the environment around them. Read the 'A Window into Equine World' text pages 26 - 27.”
2 “What ways do you think horses (or the places they live, like stables or fields) might interact with the environment. Think about things they need, or things they produce. For example, horses need fields to graze, they produce manure." Prompt with ideas like "What do horses eat?" or "Where do they live?" or "What do they produce as waste?” (Expected answers: need grass/land, produce manure, need water, need space for riding/training, might be near conservation areas).
3 Activity: Eco-Friendly Riding Schools "Imagine you are on work experience at a busy riding school in Scotland. Your manager has given you a ‘Challenge': find one way to make the riding school more environmentally friendly. You need to come up with a solution and explain why it's a good idea."
4.Instructions:
Identify an Eco-Challenge "Thinking about what we discussed as a class, what is one specific environmental challenge that a riding school might face? (e.g., lots of horse manure, electricity use for stable lights, managing fields, waste from feed bags). Choose ONE challenge to focus on."
"Now, think of one practical solution to your chosen challenge. How can the riding school deal with it in an environmentally friendly way?” Use your creativity!
"On your paper, draw a simple sketch or diagram of your solution. Add labels to explain what it is. “Below your drawing, write one sentence explaining why your solution is good for the environment."
Share Your Eco-Solution ideas with the class.
5.Wrap-Up: “What was one new thing you learned today about how people in the equine world can help the environment?"
Extension task
“Imagine you have to present your idea to the manager of the Riding school. Go online to research your idea and create a PowerPoint presentation which you will present in front of the class to persuade them to pick your idea.” Vote as a class for the best idea.