Inspiring young explorers with an inspiring ASE member
If you have ever been wowed by waterbears and delved into the fascinating world of moss, then you won’t be surprised to hear that Moss Safari has been chosen to be part of BBC Live Lesson during British Science Week.
Moss is so much more than first meets the eye. With minibeasts and different plants there is a whole microhabitat to discover. Moss Safari has been developed by Dr Andrew Chandler-Grevatt, author, Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton and Chair of the ASE Surrey and Sussex Regional Committee.
On Moss Safari ‘explorers’ will learn to identify the ‘Big Five’ animals they can see at low magnifications, along with a whole host of amazing animals and plants. You will learn about microhabitats, adaptations, life cycles and more.
Congratulations Andrew. We are so delighted that many more young people will be able to be inspired by the discovery of this microhabitat.
Moss Safari started as a hobby. I instantly became fascinated by the diversity of life in just a small moss cushion. I started to share this experience with trainee teachers, teachers, technicians and then school visits. The stories of the lives of the organisms that live in moss are fascinating. Once you have been on a Moss Safari, you will never look at moss the same way again.
Dr Andrew Chandler-Grevatt, author, Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton and Chair of the ASE Surrey and Sussex Regional Committee
Join a Moss Safari
If you fancy going on a Moss Safari with your classes then there are three opportunities for you to discover how:
- If you live in the Midlands – why not get hands on and use microscopes to explore the minibeasts with your own eyes. Andy will be beamed into take questions and support you in running your own Moss Safari at home or at school. Wednesday 6th March at De Ferrers Academy, Burton upon Trent at 5.30pm.
- Join thousands of schools across the country for BBC Live lesson on Monday 11th March at 11am. Celebrate British Science Week and celebrate inspiring science in this online event. The 30- minute programme is suitable for young people aged between 7 and 11 and is inspired by this year’s theme of ‘time’. Moss Safari will be featured hunting for tardigrades. You can find out more here.
- Get your classes around a big screen and watch a full length version of the Moss Safari made specially for primary classes to experience a Live Moss Safari. Having been inspired by BBC Live lesson young people will be excited about taking a closer look at this fascinating world. This event is on Monday 18th March at 11am and so is perfect for classes to gather round and be prepared to be inspired and feel equipped to do your own Moss Safari.