Knowing Nature

Discussion of two pieces of research and what they mean for environmental educators. Potential problems with embedding climate and sustainability in the curriculum. How environmental-hope-enhancing programs could resolve some of these issues.

State of climate education in the UK - Teach the future 

Environmental-hope-enhancing programs in schools - Journal of Environmental Education

Full show notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/

Interview with Educator and Artist Charlotte about her experiences facilitating art workshops, 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 them.

Show notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/

Music: Marble Machine by Wintergatan

Interview with Sarah Webley, Education and Outreach Coordinator at the South London Botanical Institute. We discuss how they structure their school sessions, and get an overview of the huge variety of programmes they offer.

Find out more on their website https://www.slbi.org.uk/

Full notes and photos of their activities at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/

Discussion of the 2016 film Arrival. Podcaster and author Atul Kumar discusses how taking a totally alien perspective can help break through impasses in tackling environmental issues.

You may want to watch the film before listening and consider:

• How does Louise’s approach to communication differ from the other characters?

Get in touch with Atul:

• Website - https://atulsearth.co.uk/

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.

Check out excerpts of resources used at LWC and full notes on this episode at on the Knowing Nature website.

Twitter - @KN_Podcast

Email- [email protected]

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.

Full show notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/

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?

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_Podcast

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 wildlife trust