A key geographical question, across the age range, is “What is this place like?” (PoS 3a) and biodiversity is an essential part of the answer. This article can also be used a stimulus for investigating how and why places change (PoS 3) and our relationship with the environment (PoS 5).
The Edwardian lady in the articlemay be able to date a landscape to within four days, but the youngest children will begin to develop the concept of change by comparing photographs of a garden at different times of the year.
A web search on “weather sayings” will provide all the information you need on weather lore.
Using bioindicators to assess levels of pollution offers an inexpensive fieldwork technique - particularly useful for GCSE and A-level students who are required to collect primary data. The Environment Agency website lists a range of indicators and provides free downloadable resources for KS23 www.environment-agency.gov.uk (select Kids
education).
GCSE andor A-level students could carry out a web enquiry on the impact of modern farming methods. Go to the RSPB’s website www.rspb.org.uk and select “Farmers”).
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