Moss Safari – what a year!
Although it’s not quite a year since I launched this Moss Safari website, there have been a number of exciting developments in that time, which I though I would summarise as I embark on the next year, brimming with ideas and opportunities.
It has actually been a few years since I have been exploring the organisms in moss using my microscope at home. Being a science educator I realised that there were a number of opportunities to share the awe and wonder of microscopy and make Moss Safari an educational activity.
It was the second year that I tried a Moss Safari with my trainee science teachers. Some of which are using Moss Safari in their lessons or as Science Clubs. In addition, I have inspired two colleagues to buy their own microscopes!
Highlights
This year I conducted some research while doing my ‘Moss Safari’ with my trainee science teachers. The data I collected allowed me to write a short research paper about the development of the Big Fives at x10 and x40. The drawing above was drawn by one of my science trainees, Ambra, who was inspired by Moss Safari.
Chandler-Grevatt, A., (2021). Moss Safari: inspiring interest in nature under the microscope. School Science Review, 102(381), pp.49-55. Reprinted in: ASE International, 12, 6-14. Available at https://www.ase.org.uk/resources/school-science-review/issue-381
If you’d like a copy, please get in touch.
A version of Moss Safari was included in Our World through a Lens by the Scottish STEM organisation, SSERC. Downloadable here: https://www.sserc.org.uk/subject-areas/biology/biology-levels3-4/
I have shared the idea of Moss Safari with our local Science Learning Partnership at a meeting for secondary and primary teachers. Since then I have used Moss Safari for Science Club at a local secondary school (report to follow).
Social Media
I am warming up on Social media. I am occasionally active on Twitter under @MossSafari with 176 followers to date. I have set up Facebook Page that I haven’t yet populated by intend to this year – please ‘like’ it to receive updates https://www.facebook.com/mosssafari/
Looking Ahead
I’m looking forward to doing the following this coming year.
- Moss Safari with my new cohort of trainees and gather some more data
- Moss Safari with a local primary school during science week
- Present Moss Safari at the Biological Education Research Group (BERG)
- Perhaps do an online Moss Safari for my local community.
Happy New Year and enjoy your microscopic adventures with me.
Moss Safari 