#69: Linnean Learning

Linnean Learning is a website and Twitter account which shares resources created by the Linnean Society.

Their three Linnaeus-inspired values are:

1. Going outside and exploring in nature makes us happy and healthy
2. Our understanding of the natural world requires recording and sharing
3. Learning about life on Earth is vital to sustaining its future

They have both Primary and Secondary sections.

There is a selection of animated videos which some will find helpful when putting together a library of YouTube clips, particularly useful for homework tasks, or prior viewing ahead of a lesson where a new idea is going to be introduced.

This resource is listed in a directory of resources which are being prepared as part of the suite of unofficial resources that I am currently working on in anticipation of the release of the specification at some point.

What other websites do you think might form part of such a resource?

#57: Fabulous Fungi Learning

A resource shared on the Linnean Society website.

Fabulous Fungi explores the hidden strands that connect fungi together beneath the ground. 

Fungi play a vital role in nutrient cycling in woodlands and would certainly form part of the investigations which students would be asked to complete when exploring UK woodlands, which are likely to be used for fieldwork by many schools. 

Identifying some fungi might also form part of the specification as well.

Check out the full set of activities and notes for teachers on the Great Science Share for Schools website.

There are separate activities for:Key Stage 1 (age 5-7)
Key stage 2 (age 7-11)
Key stage 3 (age 11-14)

Each enquiry provides teachers notes, teaching slides, a supporting video and links to resources guiding pupils to work scientifically and find out more about Carl Linnaeus.

Here is one of the videos:

Image: Mushroom, Litcham Common, shared under CC license

The main organisation here is the British Mycological Society.

They have a Mycokids section, which is perhaps aimed at slightly younger children than GCSE age.