Signs of Spring

An update on biological recording at Preston Montford by our education assistant Peter: 

"With our spring index, we are studying the phenology of the area in and around PMFC by recording our observations in our free time through out the day. These observations can range from when you first saw a Colt's foot flower to the first time a Bumblebee buzzed past your ear, there are many reoccuring natural phenomena to be observed around the centre if we take the time to look for it. It is also interesting to see if any of the dates on which we first make these observations vary at all from 'the norm' of years gone by, as in recent years this has been the case, which has provided evidence for climate change and it's negative impact on the wildlife that's around us. Studies have shown that spring is coming two weeks earlier than 30-50 years ago, and autumn about a week later. Furthermore, according to the Woodland Trust's study, caterpillars are responding to changed in temperature faster than the Blue tits that depend on them, which could mean birds struggling to feed their chicks. With our Spring Index and what we record on it, it will further raise the awareness of everyone who takes part, of the impacts of climate change."

Students, visiting staff and leisure learners can all get involved using our handy guides around centre and by finding more information online at http://www.naturescalendar.org.uk/survey/

Preston Montford Darwin Challenge

This term I’ve had great fun developing and leading our new Darwin Challenge taster course for primary children from the West Midlands with Staci, our Education Assistant. I instantly thought of local explorer and scientist Charles Darwin when we were approached with the view of running a one night course for year 3’s and 4’s. So the ‘Darwin Challenge’ was born. Essentially students are tasked with completing 11 different ‘challenges’ following in Darwin’s image of curiosity, scientific thinking and collaboration. Staci and I designed this to allow students to have many areas in which to develop themselves whilst they were here with us, not just academically motivated, so criteria such as ‘work with someone new’, ‘tell me how you could protect wildlife in your own garden’ and ‘I helped a friend’ were added.

We were amazed at how enthusiastic the students were to get involved, especially to try and achieve the gold certificate (many of them did!). For me, and I think for many of the students, my favourite part of the trip was the bonfire where pupils started with two minutes of quiet reflection on their surroundings and developed into fire poems, campfire songs and hot chocolate. It was also a great moment for sharing their favourite moments of the day – these ranged from ‘putting the bedding on my bed’ to ‘I feel like I’m at hogwarts’. It really brought home the fact that for many of these students this was the first time away from their family and it was as much about the experience as the academic development. 

Our five taster courses have been great fun to develop and teach and the students have all been fantastic. Staci and I are looking forward to continuing our new Darwin themed activities with KS2 in the future!

If you're interested in bringing your KS2 group to Preston Montford please contact Jess Pugh on schools@field-studies-council.org.

Lizz - Tutor