Ep 47- Art Workshops and meaningful work kids want to take home
Interview with Educator and Artist Charlotte about her experiences facilitating social painting events with PopUp Painting, and helping people take pride in their work. Then ideas for how environmental educators can adjust what we have kids do so that the experiences are more meaningful, and kids actually want to take home the paper we give … Continue reading Ep 47- Art Workshops and meaningful work kids want to take home
Ep 45 – Film Club – Arrival
When gigantic spaceships touchdown in 12 locations around the world. Linguist Louise Banks is approached to lead a team attempting to find a way to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors. Pressure mounts as nations teeter on the verge of a global arms crisis which could be set off by a simple misunderstanding. You may want to … Continue reading Ep 45 – Film Club – Arrival
Ep 44 – Pond dipping and night-time nature at London Wetland Centre
Interview with Paul, Learning manager at the London Wetland Centre (LWC). A site maintained by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT). We discuss the ever popular pond dipping sessions, how they’re structured and the resources provided to support students. Paul also shares his thoughts on the wonders of exploring nature at night. Find out more … Continue reading Ep 44 – Pond dipping and night-time nature at London Wetland Centre
Ep 43 – Part 2 – Peppered moths: Example of evolution and science at work
Part 2: Primer on a resource on the peppered moth and evolution, using digitized specimens from the collections of the Natural History Museum. The story of the peppered moth is a great illustration of evolution by natural selection. And the study of the phenomenon now called industrial melanism is also a great example of how … Continue reading Ep 43 – Part 2 – Peppered moths: Example of evolution and science at work
Ep 43 – Enviro Ed research news; moth evolution resource
Part 1: Discussion on a report from Learning Through Landscapes about the results of a pilot project involving 47 UK schools and 1000+ students. Learning through Landscapes: https://www.ltl.org.uk/ My School, My Planet – full report My School, My Planet – summary report This is a report on the results of a pilot project. Most of … Continue reading Ep 43 – Enviro Ed research news; moth evolution resource
Ep 42 – EcoActive and forest school sessions
Interview with environmental educator Catia about her work with EcoActive. EcoActive is a charity based in East London which runs workshops with schools and community groups. Their work with schools is usually long-term projects which focus on developing connections with nature or empowering students to take action on environmental issues. Projects usually begin with a … Continue reading Ep 42 – EcoActive and forest school sessions
Ep 41 – Film Club – Whitefang
Discussion of the 2018 film Whitefang, directed by Alexandre Espigares and distributed by Netflix. Based on the 1906 book by Jack London. In this episode I’m joined by educators Maggie and Ayesha. You may like to watch the film first and think about: What are the different ways people interact with their environment and animals? … Continue reading Ep 41 – Film Club – Whitefang
Ep 40 – Activities for early years
Interview with freelance educator Gini Trower about her work with afterschool clubs and nursery groups. She shares her experience getting started as a freelance environmental educator and talks us through a few of her favourite activities. Find out more about Gini Website – https://www.thewalledgardenherts.com/ Facebook – The Walled Garden – Stanstead Abbotts email – ginitrower@btinternet.com … Continue reading Ep 40 – Activities for early years
Ep 38 – Ocean school
Interview with Lucija, Science producer at Ocean School. https://oceanschool.nfb.ca/ Contact Lucija: Lucija.prelovec@dal.ca Ocean School aims to provide learners, the next generation of ocean citizens, with the knowledge and tools to understand our influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on us. They produce educational experiences which use powerful storytelling techniques, immersive technologies and interactive … Continue reading Ep 38 – Ocean school
Ep 37 – Decolonizing environmental education
How does environmental education reproduce colonial structures and mindsets? Environmental education is often done from a western scientific perspective Concepts of natural capital and ecosystem services take the relationship between the natural world and people and encodes it within a capitalist system of values. In theory, these concepts could push economic and political systems to … Continue reading Ep 37 – Decolonizing environmental education
Ep 36 – Journal Club – Ways of Knowing
Exploration of similarities and differences among Eurocentric sciences, Indigenous, and Neo-indigenous ways of knowing, to hopefully offer insights to science educators. Better understanding of these ways of knowing could help build bridges between our knowledge systems and other ways of knowing. Article Discussed Aikenhead, G.S., Ogawa, M. (2007). Indigenous knowledge and science revisited. Cultural Studies … Continue reading Ep 36 – Journal Club – Ways of Knowing
Ep 35 – Film Club – The Lost City of Z
Lost City of Z (2016). Directed by James Gray. Based on the 2009 book Lost city of Z by David Grann. British soldier Percy Fawcett is contracted by the Royal Geographical Society to chart a river in the Amazon. During the journey he encounters remnants and stories of a lost city in the jungle. The … Continue reading Ep 35 – Film Club – The Lost City of Z
Ep 34 – Film Club – Arachnophobia
Arachnophobia (1990) Directed by Frank Marshall A Family Physician moves to the small town of Canima, California with his family to take over the practice of a retiring doctor. Unbeknownst to the people of the town a newly discovered spider from Venuzuela hitches a ride back to the small town in the coffin of an … Continue reading Ep 34 – Film Club – Arachnophobia
Ep 32 – Game-based education with Minecraft
An interview with Sarah Elliott, teacher at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), about using Minecraft for remote engagement with students. Overview of how the ROM is using minecraft Minecraft and Museums together at the ROM – ROM blog post Why Minecraft? Began when museums were beginning to look at virtual visits. Initially these were essentially … Continue reading Ep 32 – Game-based education with Minecraft
Ep 31 – Journal club – Arts in environmental education
Framing paper Holzer, M., & Keller, L. (2020). WHY SCIENCE IS NOT A RECIPE: Expanding Habits of Mind through Art. In Henseler C. (Ed.), Extraordinary Partnerships: How the Arts and Humanities are Transforming America (pp. 281-298). Lever Press. doi:10.3998/mpub.11649046.20 “We have identified ways to begin teaching habits of mind through which students realize that they need not … Continue reading Ep 31 – Journal club – Arts in environmental education
Ep 30 – Locust pheromones and science as a process
Articles discussed Catching plague locusts with their own scent – 12 August, 2020 – Nature news and views Chemical that causes locusts to gather in swarm clouds could also be used to lure the pests to their death, scientists claim – 13 August 2020 – Daily Mail Scientists have identified the scent that makes some … Continue reading Ep 30 – Locust pheromones and science as a process
Ep 28 – Film Club – Moana
Discussion about environmental themes in the 2016 Disney film, Moana. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. You may want to watch the film first and think about: How does the movie make you feel about the ocean? How does it give you that feeling? Who, if anyone, is the villain of the movie? What … Continue reading Ep 28 – Film Club – Moana
Ep 27 – Journal Club – Uncertainty and the nature of science
Discussion about challenges of teaching science. The discussion is framed by a paper by Rabinovich and Morton (2012) which looked at participants beliefs about the nature of science and how it impacts their response to varying degrees on uncertainty in science communication. Framing paper Rabinovich, Anna & Morton, Thomas. (2012). Unquestioned Answers or Unanswered Questions: … Continue reading Ep 27 – Journal Club – Uncertainty and the nature of science
Ep 26 – Teaching about Climate Change
In our experience, many non-school education providers offer 45min – 1hour sessions. In an effort to help teachers and attract bookings these are often curriculum focused. This has meant that climate change has been an add-on to the session, if the educator is able to fit the topic into the timeslot. However, in the last … Continue reading Ep 26 – Teaching about Climate Change
Ep 25 – Introduction to climate change
A quick guide to the basics of climate science and the impacts of climate change. Guests on this episode: Catia and Maggie A few keywords Global warming – Describes the pattern of increasing average temperatures seen in records from around the world. Global heating – Describes the same pattern seen in data, but without the … Continue reading Ep 25 – Introduction to climate change
Ep 24 – Film Club – Finding Nemo
Discussion of the 2003 film Finding Nemo, directed by Andrew Stanton. Featuring guests Ayesha and Rosie. You may want to watch the film first and think about: How do parents in the movie deal with risk? What the film did well Diversity of life and habitat Huge range of animal-life accurately rendered and animated Journey … Continue reading Ep 24 – Film Club – Finding Nemo
Ep 23 – Film Club – The Meg
Discussion about the 2018 film The Meg, directed by Jon Turtletaub. You may want to watch the film first and think about: What does the film make you feel about the shark? What human impacts on the ocean are depicted? What the film did well Magical moments descending below the thermocline and seeing all the … Continue reading Ep 23 – Film Club – The Meg
Ep 22- Making the most of ponds
Ponds have huge environmental and wildlife value. They are also an excellent way to have encounters with wildlife. Tips for building a pond Size is not critical for wildlife pond, but bigger is better Larger ponds are more stable. Changes in temperature, oxygen etc. will happen more gradually. More places for wildlife to hide. Depth … Continue reading Ep 22- Making the most of ponds
Ep 21 – Film Club – Jurassic Park
Discussion of the 1993 classic of palaeontology, Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg. Based on the book by Michael Crichton. Guests on this episode: Tom and Conor. You may want to watch the film first and think about: Are there situations where you would want to bring back an extinct species? What the film did … Continue reading Ep 21 – Film Club – Jurassic Park
Ep 20 – Successful bug hunting
As we think about moving into the new school year I hope teachers will try and make more use of outdoor spaces. A staple outdoor activity is the bug hunt or minibeast safari. It’s also a super easy activity to do as a family in almost any outdoor setting. Tips for success in finding invertebrates. … Continue reading Ep 20 – Successful bug hunting
Ep 19 – Video games and enviro-ed
How games can support engagement with nature Can allow introduction to new places and creatures in a ‘safe’ environment. This can help build a sense of familiarity and reduce worry about wild spaces and animals. Can allow increased ‘access’ to remote or dangerous places, and allow encounters with rare animals. Potential pitfalls Oversimplification leading to … Continue reading Ep 19 – Video games and enviro-ed
Episode 18 – Film club – Nausicaa
Discussion of the 1984 film Nausicaa of the valley of the wind. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This episode’s guests are environmental educators, Maggie and Paul. You may want to watch the film first and think about: How do the different groups in the film relate to the natural world. How do the different groups of … Continue reading Episode 18 – Film club – Nausicaa
Episode 17 – Film club – Over the Hedge
Discussion about the film Over the hedge. Released in 2006. Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick and Tim Johnson. This episode’s guests are Environmental Educators: Ayesha and Lauren. You may want to watch the film before listening and think about these questions: What type of food does the movie focus on? What might happen to these animals … Continue reading Episode 17 – Film club – Over the Hedge
Episode 16 – Film club – Ferngully
Discussion about environmental and conservation themes in the film Ferngully. Film recommended for ages 5-12. Ferngully: The last rainforest, released 1992. Directed by Bill Kroyer. Based on the book FernGully: The Last Rainforest by Diana Young You may like to watch the movie first have a think about: What species do you recognize in the … Continue reading Episode 16 – Film club – Ferngully
Episode 15 – Education indoors and out
This episode looks at the benefits and challenges for environmental education in classrooms and outdoors. We discuss strategies for dealing with these challenges and thinking about topics which are better tackled in particular settings. Apologies for the audio strangeness in this episode! This episode features environmental educators Maggie and Paul. Challenges of teaching about nature … Continue reading Episode 15 – Education indoors and out
Episode 14 – Nature photography
This episode we are joined by environmental educators Maggie and Paul to talk about photography. We share tips and experiences using cameras and Paul and Maggie tell us about their off the beaten track photography hobbies: astrophotography and cyanotyping. Photography kit tips Bridge cameras – In between a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera and a … Continue reading Episode 14 – Nature photography
Episode 13 – Nature books
This episode we feature a few of our favourite nature/natural history books. Books for grownups Last child in the woods – Richard Louv (2005) A classic of environmental education. Argues for the importance of having access and exposure to the natural world. Coined the term ‘nature deficit disorder’ to describe the impact loss of this … Continue reading Episode 13 – Nature books
Episode 12 – Plants at home
While were all stuck at home its a great time to get to know your plants a bit better. Take this time to get on top of those house plant care tasks. This can be as simple as wiping down windowsills and shuffling plants to new places. A good clean can sometimes be enough to … Continue reading Episode 12 – Plants at home
Episode 11 – Spiders at home
This episode we continue the invertebrate theme but focusing on spiders. Spiders are invertebrates belonging to the class of Arachnida, which are characterised by having 8 legs. Some arachnids will have other modified body parts which look like arms/legs, such as scorpions which have mouthparts modified to become pincers. Spiders are a group within the … Continue reading Episode 11 – Spiders at home
Episode 10b – Invertebrates in our homes
A short add-on to our last episode. I asked some friends to share the homes they’re created for invertebrates, and tell us about how they put the habitats together. My home for tiny snails Made with a yogurt container with some soil from another flower pot. I also decorated their home with weed seedings carefully … Continue reading Episode 10b – Invertebrates in our homes
Episode 10 – Invertebrates from home
More ideas for engaging with nature while we’re all stuck indoors. This episode we look at how to get started studying invertebrate from the comfort of your own home. What is a minibeast? Used in the UK to refer to invertebrates. Invertebrates are the group animals which do not have a spinal column or notochord, … Continue reading Episode 10 – Invertebrates from home
Episode 9 – Birds from home
Engaging with nature can be difficult because it often involves working on very different scales than we are used to. Things can be too small to see, too big to get our heads around, take too long, or happen too quickly. Getting into birds can be really difficult to get into, particularly when used as … Continue reading Episode 9 – Birds from home
Episode 8 – Nature in films
In this episode we explore how nature is depicted in films and share ideas for using film to explore themes in ecology and conservation. As more people move to urban areas, and our lives get more technology focused, our experiences of nature increasingly come from media sources rather than first-hand experience. Research from marketing and … Continue reading Episode 8 – Nature in films
Episode 7 – 2019 Nature news
Space News Astronomers take first photo of a black hole. Animal news Deer seen for first time in 30 years Nene no longer listed as endangered by us fish and wildlife service, now just threatened Researchers show that rats enjoy playing hide and seek. Emerging issues EPA moving to approve human antibiotics to combat citrus … Continue reading Episode 7 – 2019 Nature news
Episode 6 – Mammal gallery tour – part 2
Another tour through the Mammal hall at the Natural History Museum in London. This tour focuses on some of the weird and wonderful mammal orders and their reproductive strategies. We end with considerations for designing a tour for a general audience. Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States … Continue reading Episode 6 – Mammal gallery tour – part 2
Episode 5 – Mammal gallery tour – part 1
A tour through the Mammal hall at the Natural History Museum in London. This tour focuses on teeth and diets. We end with some thoughts on how to structure a tour for children and family audiences. Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
Episode 4 – Frogs!
All about frogs! With ideas for engaging with amphibians, including tips for raising tadpoles and issues to consider if you want to keep them as pets. Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
Episode 3- The rubbish episode
Pollution and garbage. Why they’re problems and ideas for engaging with the issue. Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
Episode 2 – Plants: To pick or not to pick
It can be tough to get people to be interested in plants. They usually don’t move or do anything on a timescale we pay attention to, so a hands-on approach can be a good way of getting others to engage with plants. In this episode we discuss reasons to allow people to pick plants, and … Continue reading Episode 2 – Plants: To pick or not to pick
Episode 1 – Getting started
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/abcxqv/Knowing_Nature_-_episode_1_mixdown.mp3 Welcome to the Knowing Nature. A podcast exploring and engaging with the natural world. To start we introduce ourselves and discuss experiences which influenced our attitudes towards nature. We also discuss the importance of adults demonstrating that it is fun and interesting to spend time in nature. Rounding off we share some suggestions for … Continue reading Episode 1 – Getting started
