Year 4 go mudlarking on the River Thames

Year 4 set out on an adventurous day of mudlarking on the River Thames, on the banks just in front of the Tate Modern, accompanied by an expert mudlarking guide. 

The children set about investigating what treasures the river had washed up for them on its beaches. Pupils and staff alike were amazed by the range of artefacts that were deposited by the river. One of the most proliferate finds was animal bones, and in fact, the mudlarking guide revealed she had only once found a human bone and it turned out to be Roman! Other major discoveries consisted of pottery, sea glass, shells and a range of different rocks.  

In addition to mudlarking, Year 4 were also able to carry out some fieldwork to investigate the cleanliness of the river. By analysing the pH of the water and the temperature, pupils were surprised to find it was much cleaner than expected. Plus a range of wildlife suggested the river climate was healthier than one might first think. Investigating the health of the river Thames first-hand consolidated Geography learning around Rivers and environments.  

An action-packed day reinforcing Geography and History knowledge on the banks of the river Thames.