Knowing Nature

Conversation with Andy Chandler-Grevatt about moss safaris, how to meet a tardigrade, and how encounters with tiny animals can spark interest in nature and science. Follow Andy on Twitter    Full show notes   Follow Knowing Nature on Twitter

Conversation with Joshua Styles from British Botany and the Northwest Rare Plants Initiative. We talk about bogs, their importance for carbon storage, and about some of the amazing plants that live in these harsh habitats.   Full notes at KnowingNature.cc 

Looking to get into science communication? Wanting to move from the classroom to environmental education outdoors or in museums? In this episode I'm joined by Alison Shean to discuss what a science communicator does, and share job interview tips. Job interview tips at 12:00 Full show notes  

Seagrass meadows are one of the least-known habitat types, but they are very important for carbon sequestration and as nurseries for many fish species. In this episode I speak with Project Seagrass to learn more about seagrass habitats, restoration success, and how people can get involved in protecting these marine grasslands.   Full show notes

Supporting LGBTQ+ students in higher education. Why identity matters in STEM, the positive impacts of an instructor choosing to be out, and reducing anxiety in active learning practices.   Full show notes with links to related resources and in-depth reading.

Interview with the University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge about their Bridging Binaries tours. These tours look at the contributions that LGBTQ+ perspectives have made to natural history, and highlight ways in which nature is more complex than simple binaries.   Full show notes here

Interview with Thomas Green, PhD candidate at the Centre for Biological Diversity at the University of St Andrew's. We discuss how heteronormative and queer perspectives have shaped research into animal reproductive behaviour. Thomas share's about their research into evolution of same-sex sexual behaviours in non-human animals, and cricket mating behaviours.   Full notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/2022/02/01/ep-61-queer-identity-research-and-cricket-behaviour/

Interview with Phillip from the Bat Conservation Trust about their citizen science programmes. We also discuss a bit of bat ecology and share tips for leading a successful bat walk. Full notes on the podcast website.   Follow the podcast on twitter @KN_podcast   Music in this episode: Marble Machine by Wintergaten

Interview with the Tahoma Audubon Society about birdwatching, community science, and issues to think about when feeding birds.   Read the full show notes here.

Discussion about environmental education in Cordova, Alaska. How the programs at the Prince William Sound Science Centre address the legacy of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. We also talk about their summer programs. Bringing together kids from across the Copper River watershed, and allowing them to share their different experiences with the river and understand the connections between their communities. Prince William Sound Science Centre Full show notes

Interview about a campaign to develop local agroforestry in order to encourage communities to protect shea trees from being cut down for charcoal production. Save the Shea Tree campaign website   Full show notes

Interview with the manager of the Kipepeo Butterfly Project, a conservation initiative manged in part by the National Museum of Kenya. The project works with locals around the Arabuko Sokoke forest national park to breed butterflies for export to butterfly displays around the world.   The project has improved the incomes of families and communities living around the forest. It has also changed attitudes from wanting protections against development removed, to supporting forest rangers. The Kipepeo Project has also allowed the National Museum of Kenya to regularly monitor butterfly populations within the forest, which have been doing well in the more than 20 years the project has been running.   For more information check out the Kipepeo Butterfly Project website.   For full show notes on the Knowing Nature Podcast website.

Conversation with Professor Martin Bunzl about what philosophy has to add to discussions around environmental issues. We also look at some of the themes in his latest book, Thinking While Walking. How should we think about the nature of the risks posed by climate change? What are the moral dimensions of sacrificing the wellbeing of some species for the wellbeing of others?   For more information about Martin Bunzl head to his website. www.mbunzl.org Thinking While Walking and other books by Martin Bunzl   Full show notes on the Knowing Nature Podcast website

Interview with Dr. Richard Comont from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust about their citizen science programmes. Information about what's involved in each scheme with suggestions for the amount of time and experience is needed for each one. We also discuss recommendations for ID guides of UK bees and bumblebees (33:30).   Find out more about the Bumblebee Conservation Trust   Full show notes on the Knowing Nature website

Discussion with Rosie and Cristina about the 2021 documentary Seaspiracy. We discuss its successes and failings as a piece of science communication or environmental education, including the pitfalls of using the conspiracy framing. We also share a few ideas for how teachers might make use of the film in their classes, or approach the various issues it raises.   You may want to watch the film first and think about: Whose views are being represented? Whose are being left out? How does it compare with other ocean documentaries? More from this episode's guests Rosie's website Cristina's twitter   Full notes on the show, links to other reactions, and links to deeper reading.  

Discussion with Lorna Fox about evaluation in environmental education. We talk about some of the limitations with how educators generally evaluate the success of their programmes, and highlight some of the pitfalls of relying on observations of student engagement during sessions.   Check out this free pdf resource from the North American Association for Environmental Education: Practitioner Guide to Assessing Connection to Nature   Notes and suggestions for improving your use of evaluation in the full show notes here.

Interview with Dimuthu about the education programme at the Soanes Centre in Tower Hamlets Cemetery park. Dim walks us through a few of the sessions he runs, including sessions on soil formation and rocks which take advantage of one of the special features of the cemetery park, the historical grave stones. He also talks a bit about navigating the topics of death and decay which inevitably come up teaching in such a unique setting.  This interview was recorded on location with a door open for ventilation, and fortunately/unfortunately includes a lot of background noise.  (Bonus points of each bird species you can identify in the background?) Full show notes

Interview with Kenneth Greenway, about balancing the needs of people and nature in a historic cemetery park. He tells us how he uses foraging as a way to encourage people to value their park while also learning some botany.  Ken also shares how staff manage antisocial behaviour like teenagers peeing in bins.  Full show notes here

Ideas for a cross curricular unit on the parts and needs of plants based on the UK year 3 curriculum (ages 7-8). Starts with an example story inspired by the history of strawberries. Full show notes here    

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? Are there lessons which can be applied to environmental and science communication? What preconceptions do other characters bring to the situation?  Are the preconceptions helpful or a hindrance?   Get in touch with Atul:   Website - https://atulsearth.co.uk/ Twitter - @AtulsEarth https://twitter.com/AtulsEarth  

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- knowingnaturepodcast@gmail.com  

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?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_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 

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.comMusic: 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?What does the movie make you think about the Amazon and the people who live there?How does the movie make you feel about the Amazon and the people who live there?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?How does the film depict scientists? Are the villains, heroes, or support?Full show notes at: https://knowingnaturepodcast.wordpress.com/Twitter: @KN_podcastMusic: 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

Discussion about environmental themes in the 2016 Disney film, Moana.   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.com/Music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. CC 3.0 US License

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

Discussion of the 1984 anime film Nausicaa of the valley of the wind. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This episode’s guests are environmental educators, Maggie and Paul.You may want to watch the film first and think about:How do the different groups in the film relate to the natural world?How do the different groups of people feel about nature? Why? Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US License

Discussion about the film Over the hedge. Released in 2006. Recommended for ages 8-12. This week's guests are educators Ayesha and Lauren.You may like to watch the film first and think about these questions.What type of food does the movie focus on? What might happen to these animals in the next year Intro/Outro music: Selfish by Derek Clegg. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US License