The Earth

The Earth

The Earth is our home and for all we know it may be the only place in the Universe which hosts life. Although it is a big place, humans have now come to dominate the planet to such an extent that we are changing it in fundamental ways. It is therefore very important that young people understand and treasure the Earth, since without a commitment to forego some of the damaging lifestyle choices which have become commonplace in the developed world the outlook for the living world is bleak.

The weather is famously changeable in the UK, so it provides plenty to notice and understand.
The Sun and Moon dominate the sky, crossing it from east to west and exerting a profound influence on life on Earth.
Over two thirds of the surface of the Earth is covered by sea, and beachcombing provides a fascinating introduction to the impact of the sea and to some of the creatures which live in it.
The tilt of the Earth's axis brings us the seasons, as we see more or less of the sun through the year.
One of the most striking and beautiful sights in Nature is a rainbow. These provide an opportunity for children's art and for some scientific understanding.
The soil is a mixture of weathered rock and organic matter from dead plants and animals. Good soil forms the basis for agriculture and hosts a wealth of life.
Help the Earth by growing your own tree from seeds, nuts or berries which children can collect themselves.
A magnifying glass will sharpen children's powers of observation and reveal fine details of soil and crystals, as well as the living world.
Start a Nature Journal - a place for children to draw and write about their encounters with Nature.