Green Teacher development plans

Now that Green Teacher is a registered charity in Canada, we have big plans! HenrIcus – the creator of this LearnFromNature blog – as the Australian Region Editor for Green Teacher . Green Teacher is also partner of NAEE where Henricus is an executive Next steps We’re rich in resources and relationships. We also have five avenues — magazine, books, webinars, podcasts, and professional development — for supporting educators. With all of this in tow, here’s where we’re headed next:...

Joseph Banks : explorer, scientist, botanist extraordinaire

News that experts have located the Endeavour – the ship of Captain James Cook – news item So its a good opportunity  to recall the great work of Sir Joseph Banks ___________     Combining a passion for botanical knowledge and an inherited fortune, Joseph Banks encouraged and patronised scientific activity all over the world. His vast collection of plants and animals are vital to the Natural History Museum scientific collections, for both scientific research and our understanding of Britain’s...

Great Barrier Reef is amazing

What makes the ‘Great Barrier Reef” great?   “The Great Barrier Reef – a world heritage site- is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with...

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 – The People’s Choice Award

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is world-famous for showcasing fantastic wildlife images from around the world, and has been running for almost 60 years.   This year’s competition attracted over 50,000 entries from professionals and amateurs across the world, and was won by French underwater photographer and biologist Laurent Ballesta with his image of camouflage groupers in French Polynesia   Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London (NHM). The competition was originally founded...

How animals navigate

Bats, salmon, homing pigeons, rodents and countless other species do it. All around the world, animals are finding their way home without using sat nav, maps or asking for directions. The methods they use for location are complex and varied, with different species apparently using different techniques to find their way home. Evolutionary biologist Dr JV Chamary answers your questions on how animals navigate. Can all animals navigate? Not all animals are capable of ‘true navigation’, or moving towards a...

Australia: new National Park helps critically endangered species

New national park at Dryandra Woodland a win for critically endangered numbat   A new national park has been created in the heart of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, providing greater security for the future of some of the state’s most endangered animals. Key points: The woodland near Narrogin will now be classified as a national park About 15,000 hectares will be given greater levels of conservation It raises questions over why other areas aren’t being afforded the same protection The Dryandra Woodland near...

‘Reset Earth’ – IUCN new environmental awareness toolkits for teachers

The IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) extends the UNEP Ozone Secretariat’s invitation to explore Reset Earth, a set of free toolkits to support teachers looking for creating engaging learner experiences with new material on environmental awareness and protection. Aimed at adolescents and parents this innovative animation and game from the United Nations Environment Programme’s Ozone Secretariat uses the power of storytelling to educate and inspire young people around the world”. Reset Earth – UNEP Ozone Secretariat In commemoration...

Okavango in Africa – communities & conservation

With the support of UNESCO, UNDP, the Government of Botswana and local partners, projects to support conservation and sustainable livelihoods of communities have started in the Okavango Delta World Heritage site. The activities, which are planned and led by local civil society organisations, are supported through the Community Management for Protected Areas for Conservation (COMPACT) programme.   Okavango Delta launched its Community Management for Protected Areas for Conservation (COMPACT) programme to support demand-driven small grants for community-based organisations. The programme...

Become a ‘citizen scientist’

Each year, hundreds of ‘citizen science’ research projects get members of the public collecting wildlife data. Taking part is a great way to develop field skills and discover something new about your patch. There are many opportunities   Here are three projects in the UK … Big Garden Birdwatch – Spend an hour counting birds in your garden or local park (28th – 30th January). Nature’s Calendar – Run by the Woodland Trust, this survey looks at the impact of...

Insect scientists rebranded

The Royal Entomological Society has rebranded … “We are proud to share our new RES brand with you with a new website and rollout across the Society. We have created a dynamic video to show you the main features of the new brand, looking to maximising the Society’s impact, reach and diversity for the future, whilst acknowledging our rich history as a learned society. The new brand is a result of months of engagement and consultation with our members and...

Wildlife photography – using camera traps!

  Taking photos of wild animals can be notoriously challenging – the ‘camera trap’ can be one answer to these challenges.  Here is an article from Green Teacher magazine all about camera traps.   By Cate Rigoulot My heart skipped a beat as I plugged the memory card into the reader while my students stared at the projector screen in wide-eyed anticipation. As the images began to load, my fears of setting up the camera incorrectly — or worse, forgetting...