Environment education activity boxes?!?

[Kittykate15]

I run a wildlife club at my local primary school and been considering creating a winter wildlife themed activity box for 5-11yr olds with the idea that they could be given as gifts or just used to occupy kids over the Christmas holiday and I'd love some input from you all.

I've lots of ideas, my basic thinking is three main activities, such as creating bird feeders, one spotting sheet to take out on a walk, and possibly some little extras. Everything necessary to complete the activities will be included. There will be full instructions for each activity, but also some basic information about the wildlife inspiration behind each activity. I'm looking at probably having to charge about £15.

Obviously not seeking any commitments but would love your views, is it the kind of thing you'd buy? Does the price feel about right? What would you look for in considering such a purchase?

Thanks

£15 sounds like a lot TBH.
There are a bazillion instructions online for how to make things like bird feeders from house items. Spotter sheets are free on sites like Nature Detectives.
What are you including that's worth £15?

Thanks, its a good question. I'm very aware of the online resources, in fact in my day job I've been responsible for writing a number of the ones you've probably seen. Stats though shows that parents download very infrequently and even more rarely print out activities (they're mostly used by teachers and homeschoolers). Surveys suggest that parents get put off a bit by choice (actually too many possible suggestions to wade through) and then don't routinely have the bits needed to complete the activity. My boxes would have everything needed for each task in the perfect amount, full instructions that a child can complete with little/no adult help but also basic but good quality environmental information, such as why its important to leave food out for birds especially in winter etc. Thanks for the challenge its been useful to make me think. Of course some parents will choose not to purchase but instead but all the bits seperately themselves come up with their own versions.

What you're aiming for is spot on ... but the price is an issue. If they don't download the free stuff, are they likely to pay £15 for it + bits?

Could you do a slimmed down version? Just the printed pack or just the bird feeder kit, etc. Something more pocket-money priced?

Or your printed/emailed guide to the best advice & kits online? This utilises your expertise and helps to ensble parents

I'm in a similar field. Pester power for lower priced small kits could be way more effective in the long run.

PS - are you a member of BIG & the Presenter Network? Lots of free or cheap events & sharing of expertise
www.big.uk.com
www.rmg.co.uk/work-services/what-we-do/learning-partnerships/presenter-network