Direct learning

We went out on the breakwater to view the bottlenose dolphins that have been appearing in the harbour every day... but not this afternoon! Nevertheless it was beautifully sunny, the sea was calm and a seal was competing with fishing club members for a catch. One of them landed a dogfish and handed it up so the children could see it at close quarters. Our sea life expert invited them to touch the fish and feel its sandpaper skin, so rough and tough that it was once used to cover the hilts of swords so that fighters' hands would never lose grip even when slippery with blood. (He knows how to capture kids' attentions - I bet they'll never forget that fact.)
Afterwards the fish was returned to the sea below.