|
Soil and stone |
Indicator species |
|
|
Learn that an indicator species is one which, if abundant, healthy and spontaneous (not planted), can tell you something about the local conditions, such as a plant which tells you whether the soil is compacted, wet, dry, acidic, or alkaline. |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Indicator species |
|
|
Experiment with changing the soil conditions to see if that affects the plants which grow there spontaneously (e.g. in a grassy area with small rushes (Juncus species) growing in a straight line this may be due to soil compaction. One could dig a section in the row and leave another area untouched. Return months later to see the changes in what plants are growing spontaneously there). |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Indicator species |
|
|
Create a story, poem or song about the need for plants to have their own niche (i.e. how different types of plants love being in different places). |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Exploring soil and soil life |
|
|
Listen to stories about earthworms, bacteria, fungi, insects and other creatures that keep the soil healthy and happy. |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Exploring soil and soil life |
|
|
Lie down on the earth and experience a simple guided visualisation of feeling safely held and protected by the Earth. |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Exploring soil and soil life |
|
|
Create useful items from clay (e.g. pots, adobe bricks). |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Exploring soil and soil life |
|
|
Lie down outside on the ground, Eyes closed, feel part of the earth; imagine seasons passing, weather changes and breathe deeply. |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Exploring soil and soil life |
|
|
Sing and dance songs inspired from indigenous cultures about earth as a mother (e.g. "The Earth is Our Mother, we must take care of her"). |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Exploring soil and soil life |
|
|
Listen to the earth (e.g. ear on soil/child-made telephone to Mother Earth) - it is alive and full of energy in roots, fungi and worms all working together to create soil - a precious resource that needs us to care for it. |
|
|
Soil and stone |
Exploring soil and soil life |
|
|
Use hand tools to dig in sand and soil. |
