Dispatches from the classroom, and life as a freelance Geographer.
Riceboy Sleeps
Last Monday, I kickstarted my summer holiday with a trip to the Barbican to see the UK premiere of Riceboy Sleeps.
A week or so earlier, the performance had been given its World Premiere at the Sydney Opera House. Watch a few of the tracks here...
This was so beautiful.
London National Park City - opening soon
On Monday the London National Park City will be officially confirmed and launched at a special summit that is being hosted by the Mayor of London at City Hall.
On Tuesday afternoon there is a celebratory walk from Regent's Park to Hampstead Heath. If you are free, please do join in. Sign up here.
The idea for the National Park City is the brainchild of Daniel Raven Ellison.
I have e-mails from him going back to 2013, and the launch of the main website was on April 1st 2014, but this was no joke. It was also a tremendous sustained effort that has led to Dan speaking in cities around the world, and hosting hundreds of events where he talked about his vision.
Read this thoughtful piece in today's Evening Standard.
Also in the National Geographic.
Image: Alan Parkinson, shared under CC license
The idea for the National Park City is the brainchild of Daniel Raven Ellison.
I have e-mails from him going back to 2013, and the launch of the main website was on April 1st 2014, but this was no joke. It was also a tremendous sustained effort that has led to Dan speaking in cities around the world, and hosting hundreds of events where he talked about his vision.
Read this thoughtful piece in today's Evening Standard.
Also in the National Geographic.
Image: Alan Parkinson, shared under CC license
Hazagora and other GeoGames
Thanks to Dr. Skinner from Hull University for the links to some really useful games links.
He has created some Top Trumps cards for Rivers.
Hazagora is a game I'm particularly interested in from the looks, but am unlikely to get to see unless I can get over to Belgium. Although the games website looks to be in English, the game itself is in Belgian with instructions.
https://www.wtnschp.be/project/hazagora/
Also interested in the rise of Geogames.
Also looking forward to seeing how the VR Inundation Street develops
Sandbag Climate Campaign
Article in the Guardian on energy mix across the EU
Ties in with the UK not using coal to generate electricity for several weeks now.
At the same time, the Australians have other ideas, planning a new coalfield the size of Europe.
Sandbag Campaign involves exploring energy pricing.
Ties in with the UK not using coal to generate electricity for several weeks now.
At the same time, the Australians have other ideas, planning a new coalfield the size of Europe.
Sandbag Campaign involves exploring energy pricing.
Golden Thread Conference
Earlier this week, I went over to the new Littleport and East Cambridgeshire Academy, which is a Research School funded as part of the Fenland and East Cambridgeshire Opportunity Area. The school is part of the Cambridge East Partnership with my school.They had organised a free conference called the Golden Thread.
There were plenty of bonuses to this free event: a useful goody bag, a nice size for follow-on use, and with Education Endowment Foundation reports in it.
There were 2 main speakers and some teacher workshops / seminars to follow on from that.
Daniel Muijs is from OFSTED, and he spoke about the new inspection framework.
He reminded people that the words Intent, Implementation and Impact were supposed to be used by OFSTED to help their thinking, but had "taken on a life of their own which is not so helpful". He said he had heard of schools looking for Deputy Heads in charge of an 'I' which he said was not what was supposed to happen. Lots of 'unintended consequences' it seems of any framework, which quickly becomes a checklist and a school policy...
Alex Quigley has written the book 'Closing the Vocabulary Gap' which is popular with English colleagues.
There were some interesting workshops on the sort of things that are popular these days: no geography specific ones sadly.
For those who weren't able to attend the event, and have had their curiousity piqued, here is a link to all the presentations on the day.
Which location is being described here, and by whom?
Answers later in the week...
It has a stark beauty all its own. It’s like much of the high desert of the United States. It’s different, but it’s very pretty out here.
It has a stark beauty all its own. It’s like much of the high desert of the United States. It’s different, but it’s very pretty out here.
The Fens
There have been plenty of Fenland connections being made in the last few years of teaching in Ely.
Reading about the new Francis Pryor book on the Fens.
I'm very much looking forward to reading this, and factoring it into some writing on the Fenland landscapes.
As Francis writes:
In the 20th century the historic medieval cores of towns like Kings Lynn, Wisbech and Spalding were severely damaged by development and insensitive road-building. The well thought-out railway network in the Fens was destroyed by Dr Beeching’s ‘rationalisation’ of the 1960s. Consequently many smaller market towns today boast empty high streets, poorly-attended markets and numerous charity shops. We are also beginning to appreciate the extent of irreversible change that the wholesale drainage of the 1850s and 1970s has caused. And with sea level rise a seemingly inexorable process… Need I say more? The floor of my study is about two metres above sea level; an average high tide would wet our bed, upstairs. And yet, people are still regularly granted planning permission by local authorities to build bungalows. In many respects, the story of the Fens – an area I have grown to love and cherish – could be the story of Britain, past, present and future.
The cover of the book is a painting buy the artist Fred Ingrams, who lives in the Fens.
He has a wonderful style which captures the landscape perfectly.
Check out some paintings from a forthcoming exhibition here.
Here's another of Fred's paintings... There are plenty of Fenland roads looking just like that...
Image copyright: Fred Ingrams
Francis is doing a talk in Ely next week, which I am looking forward to attending.
In advance of that, I've listened to the book being read as BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week. There are five episodes which can all be listened to here.
Reading about the new Francis Pryor book on the Fens.I'm very much looking forward to reading this, and factoring it into some writing on the Fenland landscapes.
As Francis writes:
In the 20th century the historic medieval cores of towns like Kings Lynn, Wisbech and Spalding were severely damaged by development and insensitive road-building. The well thought-out railway network in the Fens was destroyed by Dr Beeching’s ‘rationalisation’ of the 1960s. Consequently many smaller market towns today boast empty high streets, poorly-attended markets and numerous charity shops. We are also beginning to appreciate the extent of irreversible change that the wholesale drainage of the 1850s and 1970s has caused. And with sea level rise a seemingly inexorable process… Need I say more? The floor of my study is about two metres above sea level; an average high tide would wet our bed, upstairs. And yet, people are still regularly granted planning permission by local authorities to build bungalows. In many respects, the story of the Fens – an area I have grown to love and cherish – could be the story of Britain, past, present and future.
The cover of the book is a painting buy the artist Fred Ingrams, who lives in the Fens.
He has a wonderful style which captures the landscape perfectly.
Check out some paintings from a forthcoming exhibition here.
Here's another of Fred's paintings... There are plenty of Fenland roads looking just like that...
Image copyright: Fred Ingrams
Francis is doing a talk in Ely next week, which I am looking forward to attending.
In advance of that, I've listened to the book being read as BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week. There are five episodes which can all be listened to here.
Support Scott Warren
I blogged a few days ago about the organisation No More Deaths, which gives humanitarian aid to those attempting to cross the desert into the USA and leaves water for them to save lives.
Geography Professor Scott Warren was working with the association when he was arrested, and faces trial. He faces ten years in jail.
Amnesty International has set up a link where you can provide information and edit / send an e-mail to help campaign for Scott's release.
Support a fellow Geography teacher, and the work of this organisation.
Geography Professor Scott Warren was working with the association when he was arrested, and faces trial. He faces ten years in jail.
Amnesty International has set up a link where you can provide information and edit / send an e-mail to help campaign for Scott's release.
Support a fellow Geography teacher, and the work of this organisation.
Tom Sherlock's 'tales from abroad'
Tom Sherlock, a co-presenter at the very excellent recent Teachmeet GeographyIcons in Birmingham has launched his new blog, called A Teacher Abroad, which is a real passion project.
Follow the blog as it develops.
It promises to offer tales from abroad and other updates.
Also follow Tom on Twitter @MrSherlockGeog for more updates.
Always good to see another Geo Blog starting off...
Follow the blog as it develops.
It promises to offer tales from abroad and other updates.
Also follow Tom on Twitter @MrSherlockGeog for more updates.
Always good to see another Geo Blog starting off...
Climate Change / Emergency / Breakdown
This is an issue which has been at the top of most people's priorities for some time, occasionally hijacked by the ongoing circus of Brexit.
Tom wrote a blog over on the TeamGeography page, where he started to articulate some issues, and this film was mentioned.
Thule Tuvalu is a film which looks like it might be worth hunting down on the various streaming options where it can be found.
Tom wrote a blog over on the TeamGeography page, where he started to articulate some issues, and this film was mentioned.
Thule Tuvalu is a film which looks like it might be worth hunting down on the various streaming options where it can be found.
Dan Raven Ellison "talking walking"
Dan Raven Ellison interviewed as part of a podcast series.
The podcast can be downloaded, as well as some notes, and Dan referencing the late Duncan Fuller and Doreen Massey, who we worked with, and the MisGuides.
A good listen for the journey to work perhaps...
It goes back to Mission:Explore and the Geography Collective and our work raising the public consciousness of geography.Delighted to announce our latest Talking Walking interviewee: Dan Raven-Ellison talking walking https://t.co/rFyWQR7Qx4— Museum of Walking (@museumofwalking) July 18, 2019
The podcast can be downloaded, as well as some notes, and Dan referencing the late Duncan Fuller and Doreen Massey, who we worked with, and the MisGuides.
A good listen for the journey to work perhaps...
Cley 19
Over to Cley next the Sea last weekend, to see the latest Cley Contemporary exhibition. This is hosted in St. Margaret's Church in the village, close to the sea, and with the famous windmill in the marshes.One of the artworks was called 'One Place to Another' by Rosy Naylor.
Rosy Naylor is an artist and curator with an interest in site specificity, ephemerality and lost space.
Her work for the public realm responds to a specific environment, context or situation, setting up a dialogue around the inhabiting of public space and walked land, using a range of media, to include audio, the written word, and photography.
Her painting work explores surface and mark making. Inspired by the transcient nature of the sea's edge, tide marks, and of what she calls 'sand mapping'.
There was plenty else of interest, so if you're in the area for the next few weeks (before the 4th of August) then pop along to Cley.
Finisterre - Every Second Breath
This is a rather nice piece of media.
It explores the coast near Falmouth.
EVERY SECOND BREATH TAKES ITS AUDIENCE ON A VISUAL AND SONIC EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS AROUND FALMOUTH. THROUGH ITS STRIPPED-BACK, NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE AND STUNNING CINEMATOGRAPHY, THE FILM DIRECTED BY ISOBEL CUNNINGHAM AND SHOT BY ARNIE MONTEITH IMMERSES ITS AUDIENCE IN A SELDOM SEEN WORLD, TAKING THEM ON AN EMOTIVE AND POETIC JOURNEY.
Every Second Breath from Arnie Monteith on Vimeo.
Every Second Breath takes its audience on a visual and sonic exploration of the seas around Falmouth. Through its stripped-back, natural soundscape and stunning cinematography, the film immerses its audience in a seldom seen world in an emotive and poetic journey.
This film follows the thoughts of four women who depend on the ocean for its physical and mental benefits and are passionate about protecting it from the pressures of pollution.
Directed by Isobel Cunningham
Produced and shot by Arnold Monteith
Sound design by James Chatwin
Aerial Photography by Bad Wolf Horizon
Starring Madison Bowden-Parry, Faysie June, Jane Slater and Kirstie Edwards.
In collaboration with Plastic Free Falmouth and WeSUP Paddleboard Centre.
Follow the journey on Facebook and Instagram - www.facebook.com/everysecondbreathfilm
www.isobelcunningham.co.uk
www.arniemonteith.co.uk
It explores the coast near Falmouth.
EVERY SECOND BREATH TAKES ITS AUDIENCE ON A VISUAL AND SONIC EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS AROUND FALMOUTH. THROUGH ITS STRIPPED-BACK, NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE AND STUNNING CINEMATOGRAPHY, THE FILM DIRECTED BY ISOBEL CUNNINGHAM AND SHOT BY ARNIE MONTEITH IMMERSES ITS AUDIENCE IN A SELDOM SEEN WORLD, TAKING THEM ON AN EMOTIVE AND POETIC JOURNEY.
Every Second Breath from Arnie Monteith on Vimeo.
Every Second Breath takes its audience on a visual and sonic exploration of the seas around Falmouth. Through its stripped-back, natural soundscape and stunning cinematography, the film immerses its audience in a seldom seen world in an emotive and poetic journey.
This film follows the thoughts of four women who depend on the ocean for its physical and mental benefits and are passionate about protecting it from the pressures of pollution.
Directed by Isobel Cunningham
Produced and shot by Arnold Monteith
Sound design by James Chatwin
Aerial Photography by Bad Wolf Horizon
Starring Madison Bowden-Parry, Faysie June, Jane Slater and Kirstie Edwards.
In collaboration with Plastic Free Falmouth and WeSUP Paddleboard Centre.
Follow the journey on Facebook and Instagram - www.facebook.com/everysecondbreathfilm
www.isobelcunningham.co.uk
www.arniemonteith.co.uk
Data Visualisationsn - add your own favourites
Shared by Mr Eddon of Higham Lane School - follow him at @HLSGeog
If you have any further visualisations to add, follow Mr Eddon and you can be added as an editor, and include your own suggestions.
Also search LivingGeography using an appropriate label such as "Data Visualisation"
If you have any further visualisations to add, follow Mr Eddon and you can be added as an editor, and include your own suggestions.
Also search LivingGeography using an appropriate label such as "Data Visualisation"
Michael Bradford - RIP
This is very sad news, via Facebook tonight.
He was always a welcoming face at GA Branch meetings, and at conference, and his jumpers are one memory of many. A generous and supportive colleague, and teacher of many Manchester University students.
Condolences to friends and family.
He was always a welcoming face at GA Branch meetings, and at conference, and his jumpers are one memory of many. A generous and supportive colleague, and teacher of many Manchester University students.
Condolences to friends and family.
Marlo Garnsworthy's new children's book
You've probably seen lots of children's books in your time. They tend to feature characters who are anthropomorphised animals or other objects.
Marlo Garnsworthy's new book has quite a different lead character: an iceberg.
It's also been made to tie in with Polar research, and contains accurate explanations of ice formation and some cool words that you wouldn't normally find in a children's book.
It's available to download free of charge from the website in various formats.
It would go very well with the Ice Flows Game resources.
Description from the website
Inspired by Expedition 382, Iceberg Alley, Iceberg of Antarctica follows an iceberg’s formation and journey from snowfall, to ice stream grinding across the continent, to the iceberg’s calving, drifting, and eventual melting in the ocean. Through lyrical prose and watercolor illustrations, it explores what we can learn about melting of the Antarctic Ice Sheet from the debris icebergs leave behind.
Author and Illustrator, Marlo Garnsworthy, sailed as the Onboard Outreach Officer on Expedition 382: Iceberg Alley and Subantarctic Ice and Ocean Dynamics. Read Marlo’s blogs and view artwork from the expedition. Still interested in learning more about climate change, icebergs and Antarctica? You can find a list of expeditions, blogs, and classroom activities on the topic here: https://joidesresolution.org/climate-change-resources/
Check out our other free books and classroom resources here
The resource is one of many resources which have been developed aboard the ship Joides Resolution, which has its own multimedia website. The ship takes voyages of scientific exploration into the waters around Antarctica. At the time of blogging, the current expedition is exploring the Circumpolar current.
Marlo Garnsworthy's new book has quite a different lead character: an iceberg.
It's also been made to tie in with Polar research, and contains accurate explanations of ice formation and some cool words that you wouldn't normally find in a children's book.
It's available to download free of charge from the website in various formats.
It would go very well with the Ice Flows Game resources.
Inspired by Expedition 382, Iceberg Alley, Iceberg of Antarctica follows an iceberg’s formation and journey from snowfall, to ice stream grinding across the continent, to the iceberg’s calving, drifting, and eventual melting in the ocean. Through lyrical prose and watercolor illustrations, it explores what we can learn about melting of the Antarctic Ice Sheet from the debris icebergs leave behind.
Author and Illustrator, Marlo Garnsworthy, sailed as the Onboard Outreach Officer on Expedition 382: Iceberg Alley and Subantarctic Ice and Ocean Dynamics. Read Marlo’s blogs and view artwork from the expedition. Still interested in learning more about climate change, icebergs and Antarctica? You can find a list of expeditions, blogs, and classroom activities on the topic here: https://joidesresolution.org/climate-change-resources/
Check out our other free books and classroom resources here
Together bands
Each band can be purchased in two sizes. My daughter and wife have them, which they obtained from a pop-up shop in London reently.
They bought the Gender Equality band, but they are available for each of the SDGs.
Everest: an extreme environment
I've been working up some materials relating to Mount Everest - the story has been very popular recently with the image of Nims of Project Possible and the queues near the summit.
I've been using the GeographyPods page from Matt Podbury's website once again.
The Week had a useful article on the risks that Sherpas face when they are putting ladders in the Khumbu Icefall as they spend far more time there than the climbers who pass through less regularly than they do.
https://www.theweek.co.uk/world-news/58236/everest-avalanche-are-sherpas-put-risk-western-climbers
I also came across the GAMOW Bag.
Look at the image here - what is this and what is it used for?
More details here
Updates from the 2019 Climbing season
https://www.npr.org/2019/05/26/727107521/why-mount-everests-death-toll-keeps-climbing?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social
I've been using the GeographyPods page from Matt Podbury's website once again.
The Week had a useful article on the risks that Sherpas face when they are putting ladders in the Khumbu Icefall as they spend far more time there than the climbers who pass through less regularly than they do.
https://www.theweek.co.uk/world-news/58236/everest-avalanche-are-sherpas-put-risk-western-climbers
I also came across the GAMOW Bag.
Look at the image here - what is this and what is it used for?
More details here
Updates from the 2019 Climbing season
https://www.npr.org/2019/05/26/727107521/why-mount-everests-death-toll-keeps-climbing?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social
ESRI UK UC #3 - GI Learner
A reminder of how we used one of the tools demonstrated during the ESRI UC: StoryMaps, to share the work we were doing in the GI Learner project.
David Attenborough in the New Scientist
"When I was at school in Leicester, I remember very well in the sixth form, the chemistry master coming in and saying “boys, the most marvellous advance has been made! Everybody thinks that you’re living in the age of steam and electricity, but you’re not. The next age has come. The age of plastic! Isn’t it wonderful! Thanks to the cleverness of the scientists who produced it, this marvellous material is indestructible.” And neither I nor the chemistry master – nor many other people, I guess – said, what happens when it wears out?
The earth sciences are the basic sciences from which we start and unless we know the processes that control Earth we aren’t going to be able to handle them.
I was educated in geology, to an extent, but when I was 16 I didn’t think about the consequences for the economy, I just wanted to know about fossils. But economically earth sciences are extremely important. We get so much from Earth, raw materials.
But having said what I just said, part of the joy of life is to know and appreciate the world in which we live in, which is full of wonder. "
David Attenborough in 'New Scientist'
The earth sciences are the basic sciences from which we start and unless we know the processes that control Earth we aren’t going to be able to handle them.
I was educated in geology, to an extent, but when I was 16 I didn’t think about the consequences for the economy, I just wanted to know about fossils. But economically earth sciences are extremely important. We get so much from Earth, raw materials.
But having said what I just said, part of the joy of life is to know and appreciate the world in which we live in, which is full of wonder. "
The situation is becoming more and more dreadful and still our population continues to increase. It’s about time that the human population of the world came to its senses and saw what we are doing – and did something about it.
David Attenborough in 'New Scientist'
"Science has a geography problem..."
A TED talk by National Geographic Explorer Ella Al- Shamahi.
Added to the TED website April 2019
Thanks to Daniel Raven Ellison for the tip-off
We're not doing frontline exploratory science in a huge portion of the world -- the places governments deem too hostile or disputed. What might we be missing because we're not looking? In this fearless, unexpectedly funny talk, paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi takes us on an expedition to the Yemeni island of Socotra -- one of the most biodiverse places on earth -- and makes the case for scientists to explore the unstable regions that could be home to incredible discoveries.
Check out the Socotra Project website as well.
I shall be following this while it shapes, and also worth catching up with Ella's programme on
Added to the TED website April 2019
Thanks to Daniel Raven Ellison for the tip-off
We're not doing frontline exploratory science in a huge portion of the world -- the places governments deem too hostile or disputed. What might we be missing because we're not looking? In this fearless, unexpectedly funny talk, paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi takes us on an expedition to the Yemeni island of Socotra -- one of the most biodiverse places on earth -- and makes the case for scientists to explore the unstable regions that could be home to incredible discoveries.
Check out the Socotra Project website as well.
I shall be following this while it shapes, and also worth catching up with Ella's programme on
End of Term Geography Activities
I've been on holiday for a week now, and I can recommend it.
I've got various practical things sorted: car MOT, dental appointments, haircut, and also completed a large writing project which would otherwise have hung over me for a couple of months more.
Also done some fun things, including a trip to Norwich to see Toy Story 4, which is lovely.
Many of you will have your final week of term coming up, possibly even a little into the week after that. That's not good, but here are some things for you to do with groups that have probably had it, or which you have for half a lesson, or only a third of them are there because of rehearsals for end of term events...
There is a free End of Term Summer quiz on the Discover the World Education page, which is worth taking a look at.
For more quizzes, head for the GA's Worldwise Quiz page on the GA website.
A second option is from Helen Young. She has been providing me with Christmas quizzes for over a decade and has now added a Staycation activity to her growing GeographyGeek website.
A third option was added by Caiti Walter, who has created the Thunberg Games: a climate crisis DME combining Greta Thunberg and the Hunger Games.
This is free to download from TES resources (as all TES resources should be of course)
Students work through this decision-making exercise, loosely based around the concept of the Hunger Games, to make decisions about various crises presented due to climate change.
Update
Sam Thornton has shared a set of quiz questions on TES Resources.
One for older students (alongside the Young Geographer of the Year task.
I've got various practical things sorted: car MOT, dental appointments, haircut, and also completed a large writing project which would otherwise have hung over me for a couple of months more.
Also done some fun things, including a trip to Norwich to see Toy Story 4, which is lovely.
Many of you will have your final week of term coming up, possibly even a little into the week after that. That's not good, but here are some things for you to do with groups that have probably had it, or which you have for half a lesson, or only a third of them are there because of rehearsals for end of term events...
There is a free End of Term Summer quiz on the Discover the World Education page, which is worth taking a look at.
For more quizzes, head for the GA's Worldwise Quiz page on the GA website.
A second option is from Helen Young. She has been providing me with Christmas quizzes for over a decade and has now added a Staycation activity to her growing GeographyGeek website.
A third option was added by Caiti Walter, who has created the Thunberg Games: a climate crisis DME combining Greta Thunberg and the Hunger Games.
This is free to download from TES resources (as all TES resources should be of course)
Students work through this decision-making exercise, loosely based around the concept of the Hunger Games, to make decisions about various crises presented due to climate change.
Looks excellent, although I'll have to file it away for use in the new school year in our Climate Change teaching unit.
Also, over the summer, why not set the Wider Geography Challenge from Internet Geography.
Also, over the summer, why not set the Wider Geography Challenge from Internet Geography.
If anyone has other suggestions to add to this post, let me know...
Update
Sam Thornton has shared a set of quiz questions on TES Resources.
One for older students (alongside the Young Geographer of the Year task.
Is it better for the world to be wealthier or to be more equal?— RGS-IBG Schools (@RGS_IBGschools) July 18, 2019
Submit your thoughts to our #ALevel essay competition with @FT4S.
Deadline 27 September. Full details 👉⚖️🌎✍️ https://t.co/hoQdD2RWAQ pic.twitter.com/woyB9FdHz2
No more Deaths
Another find via Twitter, which has opened up so many new avenues for resourcing which are up to date, contemporary and contactable too.No more deaths or No mas Muertes is an organisation that wants to decriminalise helping migrants who are making the crossing from Mexico into the US.
Check it out if you are teaching about migration.
More climate change thinking
David Alcock has been busy too, with his hopeful curriculum approaches, inspired by David Hicks.
It's well worth following David's blog for some interesting posts and ideas.Podcast of climate change in education debate. I outline how CC struggles to gain salience in a negativity-biased curriculum, then consider how age and prior CC knowledge influences learners, then discuss urgency vs complacency. #geographyteacher @GeoBlogs @SteveBraceGeog https://t.co/NI3evHxoPI— David Alcock (@DavidAlcock1) July 5, 2019
Talking Maps
The Bodleian Library in Oxford has a new exhibition, which looks well worth a visit.
One of the maps in the collection is Ben Hennig's latest, which shows the countries of the world adjusted according to their mentions in the tweets sent by Donald Trump. There's also a remarkable piece by Grayson Perry.
TALKING MAPS opens in early July, and runs through to 2020.
Talking Maps exhibition
Paul Black says of the exhibition:
The exhibition exemplifies maps as subjective proposals on the nature of reality and our relationship to the world in all of its facets; subjective, spiritual, political, cultural, and even fictional explorations of narrative. The addition of contemporary art to the exhibition highlights the influence of the imagination throughout the history of map-making.
The history of mapping the physical, political, and spiritual world is not a cartographic representation of where we happen to exist, but where we happen to ‘believe’ we exist – the map is a subjective truth, that changes with every redrawing, an existential signifier informing our very identity.
One of the maps in the collection is Ben Hennig's latest, which shows the countries of the world adjusted according to their mentions in the tweets sent by Donald Trump. There's also a remarkable piece by Grayson Perry.
TALKING MAPS opens in early July, and runs through to 2020.
Talking Maps exhibition
Grayson Perry’s tapestry, Red Carpet (2017),designed to express the state of the nation following the Brexit vote and his etching Map of Nowhere (2008) which explores his own belief system The iconic Gough Map (late 14th-century), the earliest surviving map showing Great Britain in a recognizable form The Selden Map, a late Ming map of the South China Sea, which is the first known Chinese-made map to enter England, rediscovered at the Bodleian in 2008 Fictional maps including CS Lewis’ map of Narnia and J.R.R.Tolkien’s maps of Middle-earth Islamic maps such as Muslim scholar al-Idrīsī’s world map, one of the greatest works of medieval map-making, which draws on Islamic cosmology and geography Maps from World War II including a D-day landing map Historic maps of Oxford including a pictorial birds-eye view of the city from 1675, a 19th-century ‘drink map’ and never-before-displayed maps of Thomas Sharp’s post-war plan to redesign Oxford A vast map of Laxton in Nottinghamshire, the last remaining feudal village in England, which remains largely unchanged four centuries on from the map’s creation in 1635 Specially-commissioned 3D installations, never displayed before, created by Factum Arte, which recreate a famous lost world map by the 12th-century Muslim geographer al-Sharif al-Idrīsī.
The exhibition exemplifies maps as subjective proposals on the nature of reality and our relationship to the world in all of its facets; subjective, spiritual, political, cultural, and even fictional explorations of narrative. The addition of contemporary art to the exhibition highlights the influence of the imagination throughout the history of map-making.
The history of mapping the physical, political, and spiritual world is not a cartographic representation of where we happen to exist, but where we happen to ‘believe’ we exist – the map is a subjective truth, that changes with every redrawing, an existential signifier informing our very identity.
Pressure on Uluru ahead of a climbing ban
There are some intersting parallels here to the pressure that was placed on Everest during the most recent climbing season, most notably flagged up by the picture taken by Nims close to the summit of the mountain.
Uluru, previously known as Ayer's Rock, is a sacred place for Aboriginal Australians.
This New York Times article from a few days ago explores the challenge that tourists are causing, by visiting ahead of a climbing ban and heading up onto the rock.
Image: copyright Val Vannet from the SAGT Flickr album
Uluru, previously known as Ayer's Rock, is a sacred place for Aboriginal Australians.
This New York Times article from a few days ago explores the challenge that tourists are causing, by visiting ahead of a climbing ban and heading up onto the rock.
Image: copyright Val Vannet from the SAGT Flickr album
YouthMetre+
YouthMetre is a project funded by ERASMUS+It has come to an end currently, but will be continuing in a new form, with further work on supporting young people make sense of our digitally oriented world.
The project website can be found here.
Somerset 2012
Calling all Somerset Geographers
Remember this one?
This was a great conference.
Dan and I were put up in a nice historic hotel on Wells marketplace, and we took a wander to the cathedral later in the evening. I remember Leszek busting myths of what OFSTED were looking for, Noel Jenkins (who had organised the whole event) exploring landscapes with SketchUp, and I expanded on ideas from my Toolkit to tell stories about landscapes - some ideas I'm still using even now.
On the way back to London, in the Mission:Explore van covered with Tom Morgan Jones art, Dan and I discussed future projects...
Anyone there and remember things further...
Remember this one?
This was a great conference.
Dan and I were put up in a nice historic hotel on Wells marketplace, and we took a wander to the cathedral later in the evening. I remember Leszek busting myths of what OFSTED were looking for, Noel Jenkins (who had organised the whole event) exploring landscapes with SketchUp, and I expanded on ideas from my Toolkit to tell stories about landscapes - some ideas I'm still using even now.
On the way back to London, in the Mission:Explore van covered with Tom Morgan Jones art, Dan and I discussed future projects...
Anyone there and remember things further...
Somerset Conference Plan Final by on Scribd
Primary Mapskills Resources
I've been writing something for a future issue of 'Primary Geography' and when investigating the RGS's offering for Primary Geography, which has been substantially increased in recent times, I was reminded of this useful unit.
A 6 lesson unit written by Caroline Freedman.
More to come in a few weeks time...
A 6 lesson unit written by Caroline Freedman.
More to come in a few weeks time...
Robert MacFarlane talk
Last week, I went over to the Lighthouse Centre in Ely to hear Robert MacFarlane speak about his book 'Underland'. It was a sold out event.
Robert spoke about the book, some events he remembered and how the book took shape.
He took in a broad range of topics and themes, all outlined very clearly, and with some images to accompany the talk. This was followed by a signing.
Always worth seeking out authors in person to hear alternative perspectives on their work. I have another author talk lined up later in the month, and will blog that in a few weeks.
Robert spoke about the book, some events he remembered and how the book took shape.
He took in a broad range of topics and themes, all outlined very clearly, and with some images to accompany the talk. This was followed by a signing.
Always worth seeking out authors in person to hear alternative perspectives on their work. I have another author talk lined up later in the month, and will blog that in a few weeks.
RSGS present Greta Thunberg with the Geddes Medal
This is such a great initiative by the RSGS and a well deserved honour for Greta Thunberg.
Immensely proud to say that this means I now share something in common with Greta as we are both RSGS Medal Winners :)
Immensely proud to say that this means I now share something in common with Greta as we are both RSGS Medal Winners :)
New Leading Primary Geography Handbook
A new GA book is now available pre-order, edited by Tessa Willy.It provides all the information that you need to lead on Primary Geography in your school, and ensure that the Geography is done well.
It includes contributions from many of the usual heavyweights of Primary Geography who are a guarantee of quality.
Go to the GA website to place your order.
Discount as always for GA members.
Description of the book from the GA website.
Leading any subject well entails a combination of good subject and curriculum knowledge, vision, and development, management and leadership skills. If this sounds daunting, remember that all primary teachers face these challenges and juggle such complex demands to some degree every day. You can’t do everything, and you can’t do it overnight, but you can learn to identify and prioritise areas for development. Leading geography well is a collaborative act and there are many ways to contribute to effective leadership, so never underestimate the part you can play.
Designed to be the definitive guide for all primary geography leaders, class teachers and trainee teachers, this book offers:
- a carefully considered approach to planning for, and delivering, outstanding geography across the primary age range, in and outside the classroom
- a clear statement of what constitutes outstanding primary geography and a rationale for geography’s place in the primary curriculum.
It has been written by experienced leaders in the field of primary geography who understand the pressures facing teachers. They identify the techniques and pedagogies you need to meet the everyday demands of the classroom and suggest approaches that are flexible and adaptable to changing local and national curriculum requirements. Whether you are a subject leader, classroom teacher, student teacher or student educator, reference to, and familiarity with, this handbook will support your subject and pedagogical knowledge, and your understanding of geography’s importance and potential as a pivotal subject in the primary curriculum.
Current listening...
Saw Jonsi on Monday at the Barbican... stunning...
This is one of his greatest songs and performances.
And I saw this live performance too... still remember the energy...
This is one of his greatest songs and performances.
And I saw this live performance too... still remember the energy...
Yvonne and Mam Tor - Landscapes
There's a link here with my work for the Ordnance Survey, as a #GetOutside Champion. A video shared by the National Trust. It explores the role of a place in a person's life...
Mam Tor features in one of the Channel 4 metal man idents too... with a look across the valley from Mam Tor towards Castleton and the Cement factory.
Channel 4 Idents from 4Creative on Vimeo.
Mam Tor features in one of the Channel 4 metal man idents too... with a look across the valley from Mam Tor towards Castleton and the Cement factory.
Channel 4 Idents from 4Creative on Vimeo.
Plastic's appeal
An excellent read on how we fell in love with plastic. I remember the first Tupperware appearing in the house, and a round plastic dish with sections to put crisps and snacks in when we had our Saturday tea...
Data Nation
A new mapping service from EDINA, who are behind Digimap for Schools
Here is the description from the Data Nation website.
Special introductory whole school/unlimited use price of £199!
Some Learning Resources have already been created.
Here is the description from the Data Nation website.
 DataNation is a newresource which combines official 2011 census data with authoritative Ordnance Survey maps. You can investigate local socio-economic conditions, view, analyse and personalise this data resulting in more critical thinking across the curriculum. |
Features
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Benefits
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DataNation enables users to identify small geographic areas and overlay census data on Individuals, Household and Neighbourhoods.
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Learn more about DataNation |
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Neighbourhood Descriptions and Demographics
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Graphic Representation of Census Data
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Data from specific regions can quickly and easily be presented in graphical format or simply downloaded to be manually manipulated or investigated.
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Special introductory whole school/unlimited use price of £199!
Some Learning Resources have already been created.
Climate Change Resources - another update
As some of you may have noticed there's a new badge on my blog, as shown here.It shows that I have been accredited by the United Nations as a Climate Change teacher, as I have completed a lengthy online course with a number of modules.
These have been described in a previous blog post, but contain up to date information, and also act as excellent resources for the teaching of this issue to students from KS3 upwards. The legislation module, for example, provides an excellent precis of efforts made over the years to reach binding international agreements on carbon emissions, which are perhaps the most pressing need at the moment.
Watch Ben King describe the process, and the resources in the video below. Click the image to be taken to the page where the video is hosted.
For more details, see this tweet, and follow the account.
Learn how working through the 6 @eduCCateGlobal Teacher Academy courses prepares you for becoming a #ClimateChangeTeacher Accredited by the UN!— eduCCateGlobal (@eduCCateGlobal) July 11, 2019
Watch Dr Ben King's Climate Education Masterclass, here:https://t.co/Rrkqdnv4Oq@uncclearn#eduCCate#ClimateLiteracy#ClimateChange pic.twitter.com/4HsLJrgmDU
GA Presidents blog - just another 100 years to go...
Feel free to visit my latest blog project, which I started back in April, but which has not had too many visitors so far.
It's a sort of history of the GA, with brief pen portraits of the 100+ people who have held the post of GA President since it began 126 years ago.
There have been some very interesting people who have held the post of GA President.
I am currently in 1922, with a previous President who actually won the Nobel Prize for Peace!
These biographies and pen-portraits are brief and partial. I have given each of the Presidents some of my time. Recent Presidents I have (or will) contact in person. For those who have sadly passed away, I have relied on documents and articles that appear in GA journals, along with internet searching and library searches for some books and other documents. I have also visited locations and taken images where practical.
Please get in touch if you have something to add, spot an error or issue, or want to share your own stories of, or memories of, particular past Presidents.
The project will involve me making irregular posts over the next couple of years - one every couple of weeks - culminating in the final post in September 2021 with details of the President of the Geographical Association for 2021-22.
It is a personal project, and not connected with the views of the Geographical Association.
Here's a word cloud of the Past Presidents. How many can you recognise?
It's a sort of history of the GA, with brief pen portraits of the 100+ people who have held the post of GA President since it began 126 years ago.
There have been some very interesting people who have held the post of GA President.
I am currently in 1922, with a previous President who actually won the Nobel Prize for Peace!
These biographies and pen-portraits are brief and partial. I have given each of the Presidents some of my time. Recent Presidents I have (or will) contact in person. For those who have sadly passed away, I have relied on documents and articles that appear in GA journals, along with internet searching and library searches for some books and other documents. I have also visited locations and taken images where practical.
Please get in touch if you have something to add, spot an error or issue, or want to share your own stories of, or memories of, particular past Presidents.
The project will involve me making irregular posts over the next couple of years - one every couple of weeks - culminating in the final post in September 2021 with details of the President of the Geographical Association for 2021-22.
It is a personal project, and not connected with the views of the Geographical Association.
Here's a word cloud of the Past Presidents. How many can you recognise?
Technology and Energy - carbon
A Which report on Smartphone impacts is a very useful resource for my look at technology and e-Waste.
Mentions the Fairphone, which has a modular structure and conflict free gold.
Places of the Heart
Another book that I've just caught up with is by Colin Ellard. Following links to his website and other connected articles and reviews threatens to take me down a whole new rabbit hole of ideas.It explores our links with places, with its subtitle 'The psychogeography of everyday life'.
He has written a couple of other interesting sounding books. His research is about how we explore places and interact with them on an emotional level. It sounds similar to the work that Dan Raven Ellison did with CISCO when he wore a headset and walked across all the UK's cities and all the UK's National Parks.
The introduction to the book sets out the main area that the book explores.
Of course the first thing one does then is follow Colin on Twitter, and look at what he has retweeted and liked to find related accounts of interest and new things....
Polar front.... not ideal...
The Polar front is the controlling factor on our climate. The meeting of cold Polar air with temperate mid-latitude air (or sometimes warm Tropical air) produces waves which lead to the development of mid-latitude depressions.
The position of the front is influenced by the jet stream, but also the state of the oceans - and the oceans are losing their ice.
This article from The Guardian has joined a Greenpeace expedition, with scientist Dr Till Wagner studying changes in ice cover.
Could we be seeing irreversible change in the Arctic region?
The position of the front is influenced by the jet stream, but also the state of the oceans - and the oceans are losing their ice.
This article from The Guardian has joined a Greenpeace expedition, with scientist Dr Till Wagner studying changes in ice cover.
Could we be seeing irreversible change in the Arctic region?
Tommy tomatoes.... the red in the Italian flag
A long read in the Guardian a few weeks ago. Going to be taking a look at this over the summer to add it into my Food project.
Reminds me of the classic representation of the Mezzogiorno in Italy, which Margaret Roberts so carefully dismantled a few years ago. It explores whether slave labour is involved in the picking of tomatoes you may be eating.
Clipped out both parts of the article - the second one focusses on oranges grown for juice.
Read the long tomato piece here. Plenty to unpick and link into a teaching resource.
Reminds me of the classic representation of the Mezzogiorno in Italy, which Margaret Roberts so carefully dismantled a few years ago. It explores whether slave labour is involved in the picking of tomatoes you may be eating.
Clipped out both parts of the article - the second one focusses on oranges grown for juice.
Read the long tomato piece here. Plenty to unpick and link into a teaching resource.
Heatwave health
A Met Office website which provides details on Heatwave Thresholds is a useful Climate Change tool.These are likely to become more well known in the next decade if climate projections are correct.
France had "a week of hell" recently according to newspaper reports, with temperature records being shattered by several degrees, and extra deaths caused by the heat.
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