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Nature's message

Learning outcomes

  • To learn more about the natural cycles at work within the environment
  • To understand that we can all make a positive difference

Resources required

Access to the following websites:

Procedure

Explain that scientists are able to use information about small changes in the natural world to study large issues such as climate change and air pollution. These changes include things like first sightings of ladybirds, the earliest date of nest building or the date when trees come into blossom.

Explain that scientists often ask schools and members of the public to help them by collecting this information.

Ask the children to look at the different types of survey and to select one which they’d like to take part in.

Group work

Explore the different surveys and make notes about the one that’s most suitable for their involvement – time of year, access to nature, access to equipment, time required, adult help required, difficulty in collecting or reporting information and how useful you think this type of research is.

Plenary (whole class)

Discuss the selections and reasoning.

Extension

Take part in the surveys.

Evaluation

Discuss the surveys with a partner

  • Were they fun;
  • Did you learn anything;
  • Were they worthwhile?

Children planning for Earth Hour

Summary information

Age range: 5-16 
Curriculum links: Geography, Science, PSHE/Citizenship
Time needed: 30 minutes initial research
Group size: 2 - 3
Setting: Indoors and outdoors
Key vocabulary: biodiversity, earthworms, ecosystems, habitat, lichen, natural cycles
Learning cycle: Taking action

Learn Autumn 2009 - Forests

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Nature's message

Autumn 2009 - Forests

Activities