A SUCCESSFUL formula of activities made for an explosive series of lessons during a hands-on science week.

Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic First School in Dorchester had a close-up encounter with creepy crawlies and learned about fossils as part of the scientific sessions.

They also had a talk from the Dorset Wildlife Trust and built a bug hotel out of wooden pallets in a special biodiversity area.

Year One teacher and science specialist Gail Tucker said: “It’s experiencing everything so hands-on that has made it so interesting for the children.

“I think the staff learned just as much as the children. The younger ones have really enjoyed feeling and touching all the fossils.”

One of the highlights of the week was a visit from Swindon-based Jonathan’s Jungle Roadshow.

Creepy crawly expert Jonathan Cleverly brought along giant millipedes, a tarantula and a stag beetle to teach the youngsters about insects.

David Tucker, of Dorset County Council’s Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, dropped by to show pupils some fossils and talk about rock formation.

Mrs Tucker added: “We’ve had some great reactions from the children to everything we’ve done.”