Knowing Nature

Part 1: Discussion on a report from Learning Through Landscapes about the results of a pilot project involving 47 UK schools and 1000+ students. Part 2: Primer on a resource on the peppered moth and evolution, using digitized specimens from the collections of the Natural History Museum.   Full show notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/  

Interview with environmental educator Catia about her work with EcoActive, a charity based in East London. EcoActive runs workshops with schools and community groups, concentrating on long term projects with schools with emphasis on being experiential and solutions focused. We particularly talk about EcoActive's forest school programmes, how they work and what the benefits are for participants.  ...

Discussion of the 2018 film Whitefang. Educators Maggie and Ayesha return to discuss the relationships between humans and animals depicted in the movie.  You may like to watch the film first and think about: What are the different ways people interact with their environment and animals? How do you feel about the relationships between people and animals in the film?

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 and her workshops: https://www.thewalledgardenherts.com/   Full show notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @KN...

Interview with Lorna Fox, Head of Engagement and Learning at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. We talk about some of the Trust's most successful programmes, and a new pilot project aimed at helping school make use of their own green spaces so that nature becomes a part of the school culture.   Full show notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Find out more about Gloucestershire wildl...

Interview with Lucija, Science producer at Ocean School. 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 media. Its inquiry-based approach advances...

How colonialism has affected environmental education. Arguments for the relevance of this topic in places which don't have a recent history of colonization by another culture. Tips for culturally responsive teaching and suggestions for avoiding common pitfalls. Full notes at https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Music: Gradual Sunrise by David Hilowitz

Discussion on the article “Indigenous knowledge and science revisited”, by Aikenhead and Ogawa (2007) from the journal of Cultural Studies of Science Education. The article describes and compares Euro-American sciences, Indigenous, and neo-indigenous ways of knowing.  We're joined by Maggie and Tom to reflect on these ways of knowing and how they relate to our practice as environmental educators....

Discussion about the 2016 film The Lost City of Z. We discuss themes of how people relate to the Amazon and the peoples who live there. The first of a few episodes which will look at issues of colonialism in environmental education.   You may want to watch the film first and think about: How is the Amazon depicted? What does the movie make you think about the Amazon and the people who live there?...

Discussion of the 1990 film Arachnophobia. We talk about the ecology of the movie spiders as they relate to real world species, and about whether the film shows science in a bit of a bad light.   You may want to watch the film first and think about: How does the film depict spiders? Are they monsters or animals? How does the film depict scientists? Are the villains, heroes, or support? Full show n...

What is a habitat? What makes a specific habitat? Why should we care about the topic? We explore the answers to these questions and offer some suggestions for approaching it in classrooms and outdoor settings. Full show notes: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/ Music: Gradual Sunrise by David Hilowitz

An interview with Sarah Elliott, teacher at the Royal Ontario Museum, about she's using Minecraft for remote engagement with students. She shares how the programme began with rocks and minerals, but has since become a more complex world where students explore responsible resource use and develop 21st century learning competencies.   This episode was recorded June 26, 2020. Music: Gradual Sunrise b...

Discussion about the current science focus in environmental education and how art might enhance scientific investigation skills. We also share experiences of being pigeonholed into thinking of ourselves as science or art people and consider the benefits of breaking down these self imposed barriers. Full notes and suggestions for further reading at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Mus...

A suggested outline for effective science reporting using examples of news articles about the identification of a pheromone associated with swarming locusts. We critique reporting in Nature, The Daily Mail, and Business insider. Arguing that focusing too much on results could undermine long-term confidence in scientists and scientific institutions. Reporting which focuses on science as a process m...

Using science news literacy skills to put click-bait in context. Discussion about recent stories of ‘murder hornets’ found in monitoring traps in the United States. Tips to avoid being distracted by emotionally charged language. Full notes at https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. CC 3.0 US License

Discussion about environmental themes in the 2016 Disney film, Moana. We discuss the ocean, representation, and depiction of indigenous knowledge and skills.   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?   Full notes at:  https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress...

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.   Full notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. CC 3.0 US License

Issues and considerations when teaching about climate change in schools and other environmental education providers. We talk problems with curriculum, climate anxiety, and the benefits of taking a whole school approach.   Full notes at:  https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/ Music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US License

A brief teacher's guide to some climate change terminology and impacts.   Full notes at:  https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/ Music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US License  

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? Full notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/ Music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US License

Discussion about the 2018 film The Meg, directed by Jon Turteltaub.   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?   Full notes at  https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. CC 3.0 US License

Tips for setting up a wildlife pond and ideas for using it with kids or classes.   Safety considerations (11:15) Plants and animals (20:07) Lesson planning tips and ideas (26:00)   Full notes at https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/ Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. CC 3.0 US License

Discussion of the 1993 classic of palaeontology, Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg. Guests 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?   Full notes at:  https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/ Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. CC 3.0 US License

Tips for running a successful bug hunt as an educator. What to consider when setting up a wildlife area. Ideas for planning bug hunting lessons.   Full notes at:  https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US License

Discussion on how video games can be used as a tool for learning about the natural world. Ideas for teachers. Discussion on Minecraft, Oxygen not Included, and Animal Crossing.   This episode's guest is Tom L. Full show notes at  https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/   Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US License