LATEST DISCUSSIONS

25/04/13 | London

Pitcher plants as tiny ecosystems – educational microcosms for IBSE

Large and complex topics, like how ecosystems work for example, can be challenging to explain. Using small, observable experiments can therefore be useful in simulating of landscape-scale processes. Scientists have used pitcher plants as tiny model ecosystems to study how “tipping points” are triggered in lakes and ponds. Perhaps this could generate some ideas for IBSE demonstrations?

Discussions | Curriculum

19/04/13 | London

Curing ‘Plant blindness’ using an inquiry-based approach

Can IBSE be used to combat “plant blindness”? – a phenomena whereby plants are overlooked in our environment and considered “boring”. A recent study developed a Fighting Plant Learning Unit in order to test the use of IBSE to inform and inspire students on the topic of plant defence mechanisms.

Discussions | Climate Change | Curriculum

03/04/13 | London

Climate change: still a hot topic?

Controversial plans to withdraw climate change from the UK Geography curriculum for under-14s have been met with fierce public opposition. But what does the new curriculum really teach?