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It has been reported (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article6917331.ece) that new 'Citizenship' lessons for schoolchildren will attempt to teach them 'respect' for worms, ants and bees (in addition to more traditional 'animals'). It was noted that many children do not currently regard insects, snails and worms as animals, do not appreciate their importance to environments and are ignorant of the responsibility of humans to provide for their needs. This seems to be generally a good idea (if a bit of an oversell of the 'humans as custodians of the planet' idea) but it does sit a bit oddly with TV programmes devoted to the violent deaths of 'pests' such as rats. I also wonder if kids will genuinely get to appreciate the merits of wasps, houseflies, mosquitoes and leeches. In which case, 'respect' for animals becomes a matter of choice.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Mini-beast Charter
It has been reported (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article6917331.ece) that new 'Citizenship' lessons for schoolchildren will attempt to teach them 'respect' for worms, ants and bees (in addition to more traditional 'animals'). It was noted that many children do not currently regard insects, snails and worms as animals, do not appreciate their importance to environments and are ignorant of the responsibility of humans to provide for their needs. This seems to be generally a good idea (if a bit of an oversell of the 'humans as custodians of the planet' idea) but it does sit a bit oddly with TV programmes devoted to the violent deaths of 'pests' such as rats. I also wonder if kids will genuinely get to appreciate the merits of wasps, houseflies, mosquitoes and leeches. In which case, 'respect' for animals becomes a matter of choice.
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