Knowing Nature

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 critical thinking, innovation and environmental awareness.

Ocean School website

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

Music: Gradual Sunrise by David Hilowitz/

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.

Full notes on the discussion, including a summary and link to the journal article, can be found on our website.

https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com

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?

Music: Gradual Sunrise by David Hilowitz

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?

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

Twitter: @KN_podcast

Music: Gradual Sunrise by David Hilowitz

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 by David Hilowitz

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/

Music: Gradual Sunrise by David Hilowitz

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 may avoid some of these pitfalls.

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

Music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. CC 3.0 US License

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