Moss Safari Event at Our Lady of Sion School

It’s half-term, and Worthing’s independent day school, Our Lady of Sion, opened its doors to budding young explorers for a special Moss Safari. Hosted by Headteacher Steve Jeffery, the session welcomed enthusiastic Year 4 students from Sion and nearby primary schools – all united by a single mission: to find the microscopic waterbear.

Setting the Scene

Twenty-three children gathered in the school chapel, where I had set up a live projection of my microscope to demonstrate a Moss Safari. Each table was equipped with DuraLab microscopes – perfect for beginners – giving every pair of children the tools to explore their own tiny wilderness.

I Learnt Something New

We began with a lively introduction to the famous waterbear (or tardigrade), including where they live and how to spot them. Around two-thirds of the group had used a microscope before, and a similar number had heard of a tardigrade. But none had seen one in real life… yet.

As I demonstrated a live Moss Safari under the microscope, excitement peaked when we discovered a tardigrade walking across the slide! We examined it closely at x40 and x100 magnification – an amazing start to the session, and a perfect challenge for the children to find their own.

Looking Through the Microscope Was My Favourite

After a quick squash-and-biscuit break, the real hunt began. Working in pairs, the children learned how to prepare their moss samples. They used pipettes to extract water from soaked moss, then carefully prepared slides for viewing.

The microscopes revealed a hidden jungle of microscopic life. We spotted:

• A rotifer with its cilia (“wheel organs”) wafting to feed
• A particularly large nematode, plus several smaller ones
• Arcella – one of my favourite single-celled organisms, like a “splat in a hat“
• A mysterious jaw-shaped shed skin, possibly from an arthropod

One girl proudly spotted Arcella – a golden disc-shaped amoeba home.

Did We Find a Waterbear?

Yes, we did! Adan discovered a red-coloured tardigrade – an armoured variety – and we managed to capture it on camera. It was a spectacular find and the star of the session.

I Would Recommend This Session to Other Classes

After a quick tidy-up, we all gathered to admire the armoured tardigrade on the big screen. Children filled in their booklets about what they had found, and some took the Tardigrade Quiz. Two winners were awarded goodie bags of Moss Safari stickers featuring the Microscopic Big Five.

I Enjoyed the Session / It Was Interesting

From the laughter, chatter, and curiosity during and after the session, it was clear that the children had a great time. Some were already planning to ask for microscopes for their birthdays. Others listed tardigrades, worms, and microscope use among their favourite discoveries.

Feedback in Numbers

We received 18 feedback forms from the 23 children attending. The results speak for themselves:

• 100% enjoyed the session
• 100% found it interesting
• 100% said they learnt something new
• 94% said it made them think about being a scientist
• 89% said it made them think about a career in biology
• 100% would recommend the session to other classes

What Would Improve It?

Most said it didn’t need improving – “It doesn’t need improving,” said one. A few children asked to “learn more about it” or said simply “do better looking” – a fair challenge for the future!

A Headteacher’s Perspective

Steven Jeffery, Headteacher of Our Lady of Sion School, shared his reflections on the Moss Safari experience, highlighting its impact on students and alignment with the school’s educational philosophy.

In his LinkedIn post, Mr. Jeffery described the event as an “unforgettable Moss Safari,” noting how the Chapel Lecture Hall transformed into “a vibrant hub of discovery” filled with microscopes and eager young minds. He praised Dr. Chandler-Grevatt’s ability to bring science to life, stating:

Dr. Chandler-Grevatt’s passion and expertise brought science to life, showing us all how much wonder lies just beyond the naked eye.

He also emphasized how the hands-on, sensory-rich experience exemplified the school’s Challenge+ mindset, fostering engagement, inspiration, and a connection to both knowledge and the natural world.

Mr. Jeffery concluded by expressing gratitude for the inspiration provided to the next generation of scientists and explorers.

Read the full post on LinkedIn

Acknowledgments

Thanks Steve Jeffrey for inviting me, Victoria Greco for organising the event and David the caretaker for helping me shift the microscopes from the car to the chapel and assist the children with their microscopes. Thanks Mr. Snewin for being an extra pair of hands. I felt very welcome at Sion, thank you.

VITTA Education have generously supplied me with the Duralab microscopes that make these events possible. They are perfect microscopes for children starting out because they are robust but good quality and you get good views of the organisms. If you contact the team at VITTA education, do mention Moss Safari.

If you’d like to host a Moss Safari: In search for a waterbear event at your school or organisation, get in touch and we can see what we can organise.