A blog providing ideas and resources for those teachers hoping to teach the new GCSE Specification, first announced in April 2022. Draft subject content released for consultation in June 2026 - for first teaching from 2028 or 2029.
An appreciation of animal dung may be one thing that those following the GCSE Natural History have to develop. It is a particularly good method of identifying certain speces of animal. It is also a source of nutrient - in some areas such as the tundra, animal burrows can often be located by looking for clumps of flowers in the short Arctic summers.
Please note that it’s important NOT to touch any poo directly as it can be harmful. In order to break it apart and get a better look, it’s best to use a tool, such as a small stick.
There are some useful technical terms here to become familiar with, linked to orders of species of mammals (remember the taxonomy that we mentioned in a previous blog post and which students will need to become familiar with).
Eulipotyphla (Insectivores)
Lagomorpha (Rabbits and hares) Rodentia (Rodents) Carnivora (Carnivores)
Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates)
Perrisodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) Marsupial - can anyone guess the only marsupial on the list of UK mammals? Chiroptera (Bats) Pinnipedia (Seals) Cetacea (Whales, dolphins and porpoises inc. vagrants)
there are a few words to learn here, and also the difference between even and odd-toed ungulates. The former being the deer family.
I picked up a recent story through their Instagram account on the importance of hibernation to mammal species in helping them to overcome changes to climate.
They have a useful Mammals Hub, which includes details on all the UK's native mammals as well. Plenty of educational interest as well as a range of blogs.
