The latest blog from the Science Geek is about the idea that we, on Earth, are being watched – as you would animals in a zoo – watched by alien (necessarily advanced) civilisations. This is the basis of many a science fiction story. But suppose it’s true? We’d never know (unless they wanted us to)…
Britain’s pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants get through tens of millions of plastic drinking straws every year, with the huge majority of them going to landfill. According to waste management company BusinessWaste.co.uk, the plastic in single-use drinking straws takes centuries to decompose, causing problems both at land and at sea where plastic debris is a menace…
Today’s blog is by Alan Kinder, Chief Executive of The Geographical Association The contribution of fieldwork to geography education In geography education, fieldwork is regarded by the Government, most parents, and the overwhelming majority of subject teachers as an essential element of the learning experience for young people. Indeed, the commitment to fieldwork by teachers of…
UNESCO says that World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. The central coordinating platform for World Oceans Day has resources and ideas for everyone – no matter where you live – to help expand the reach and impact of World Oceans Day all year-round. The overall theme for World…
Using the solar racing car challenge to teach about renewable energy “Make the fastest solar car you can!” This was the simple challenge posed to the students at Swinton School, Rotherham, on a recent renewable energy project day. Can you remember learning about electricity using a series of line diagrams filled with obscure shapes and…
As we noted recently, the Woodland Trust is leading a call for a Charter for Trees, Woods and People (the charter project) with more than 70 organisations taking part. The details are here. The 10 principles of the Tree Charter are here: Thriving habitats for diverse species Urban and rural landscapes should have a rich diversity…
1. Read the latest from IUCN’s Protecting the Planet newsletter here. Details of World Environment Day (June 5th) are here: “On 5 June, go outside and show us that you’re #WithNature. Breathe in the beauty and remember that by keeping our planet healthy, we keep ourselves healthy too.” 2. Here are details of the Beyond COP 21 Symposium…
On the morning when the Paris Agreement on Climate Change seems to be under severe pressure, here’s a view from Australia on the issue of dealing with the problem. The Guardian has a feature by Teila Watson on how indigenous knowledge can help. This is how it begins: All over the planet, we are are facing the…
The Freshwater Habitats Trust says that its PondNet eDNA survey is back for another year. There’s also a BDS Variable Damselfly Survey and a feature on Living Waters: a New Forest Catchment Partnership project to protect and restore freshwater wildlife in the Beaulieu catchment. Details here.
The UKs largest celebration of the natural world is back. Featuring more than 100 organisations, over three weekends: 8 to 25 June. The organisers say: Join us on a wildlife adventure of discovery as we sail down the river from Bristol to Bath – with amazing activities, live music, theatre, walks, and films! The programme is here.
Today’s blog is by Sheila Gundry, Resource Future’s Education Manager. Wider learning and connected experience Learning Outside the Classroom Day (18 May) is a lovely reminder of the great strides made across the country to encourage outdoor learning. For me, having worked in Field Centres for many years, nothing seemed more natural than to teach and…
IUCN’s recent newsletter contained the following features: The Baltic Sea – the Territory of Sustainable Development The 18th International Environmental Forum “Baltic Sea Day”, which has already become a traditional event for St. Petersburg, was held on 22-23 March 2017. The main theme of the event was the relationship between sustainable development goals and environmental…