By Elen Evans

STEM Ginger Education

Nature-based projects through English

Task C: Air Warrior

Task C: Air Warrior

Project of the month

Entomologists

Entomologists

Insects have been around far longer than Homo sapiens yet their importance is often overlooked because they are so miniscule and easy to forget about. However, their significance is huge and they are vital for supporting life, on land as well as below water.

Insects have diversified through 400 million years of the Earth’s changeable climate, but insects are responding to recent climate changes in temperature and precipitation in ways that should be of concern, for example, many species are facing extinction. Investigations indicate that climate change impacts on insects have the potential to be considerable – perhaps we should consider them the ‘canary in the coal mine’. What could this mean for Homo sapiens?

But why are insects so important? Insects are the most diverse lineage of multicellular organisms on the planet. Their jobs in maintaining ecosystems are extensive and involve: soil engineers, pollinators, pest controllers, decomposers and providers. It is often said that, without insects, our species would not be able to survive.

Warriors… Start working!

This task will often be formed around projects and work created or data gathered by wonderful Environmental Organisations and NGOs such as the WWF, IUCN and Practical Action. Teachers can use the material to develop interdisciplinary projects within their schools.

level c environmental warriors
  • It can be worked on individually or in a group.
  • Teachers can decide how much class time to dedicate.
  • Interdisciplinary work is always encouraged (e.g. English for the writing; Science/Maths for the gathering of data; Art for display and design of information gathered (e.g. posters / information leaflets)).
  • STEM Ginger Education CLIL and/or science teacher support is always available.