Bring the great outdoors to life with W5's In Our Nature zone. This digitally captivating area highlights the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, produce and places that make Northern Ireland like nowhere else on earth!
Find out the WhoWhatWhereWhenWhy of In Our Nature and the fascinating facts that can be uncovered in this area.
5 things you can learn in the In Our Nature zone
1. The Earth's Structure
The Earth's interior is made up of several different layers. The top layer, where we live, is known as the crust and is made of solid rock. The upper part of the layer below is made of molten rock called magma. When magma breaks through the crust, it is called lava. The Earth's crust is divided into several tectonic plates. Northern Ireland is part of the Eurasian plate.
2. The Giant's Causeway
Did you know, the Giant's Causeway is made up of over 40,000 columns of basalt? These rocks formed approximately 60 million years ago when a flood of lava oozed from fissures in the earth. The molten rock cooled and contracted, cracking into a series of near-perfect hexagonal shapes.
3. The Extremes of the World
Do you know where the highest place in the world is located? Standing at 8,848 meters high in Southern Asia is Mount Everest and is known as the tallest point on earth.
4. The Power of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen. You can learn all about the process of Photosynthesis in the In Our Nature zone.
5. The Titan Beetle
There are millions of different species of insect in the world - and more than 11,400 in Ireland which come in all shapes and sizes. Did you know, the world's largest insect is the Titan Beetle which is found in South America and can grow up to 17cm long!
The Who What Where When Why of In our Nature
Who is the In Our Nature zone for?
From little kids to big kids and everyone in-between, there is something for all ages in the In Our Nature zone.
What exhibits can you explore at In Our Nature?
In Our Nature is home to an array of captivating and digitally enabled exhibits. Take a look at some of our highlights below:
- Four Seasons
Our giant digital tree, found at the heart of the In Our Nature zone, simulates the seasons through captivating visual projections. Watch as the seasons roll by and observe how the tree changes and adapts.
- Ocean Eyes
Dip your toes in our virtual ocean, surrounded by replica basalt columns inspired by the Giant’s Causeway and feast your eyes on the creatures that lie beneath the surface.
- Farming Life
Learn about farming heritage here in Northern Ireland, how technology and machinery have transformed how we farm now and how things might change in the future.
Where can you find the In Our Nature zone?
In Our Nature can be found on Level 4 of W5, along with the Making Sense, The Studio and Build It zones.
When can you visit In Our Nature?
In Our Nature is a permanent zone and can be explored any time that W5 is open to the public. Check out our opening hours here.
Why should you explore the In Our Nature zone?
Journey through the diverse and beautiful landscapes of Northern Ireland with freshwater, rocky coastlines, agricultural woodlands and get close to nature in this zone that brings the great outdoors to life.
Check out the In Our Nature zone in action
In Our Nature zone is supported by
