| Links to the stories | Key Stage 2 and 3 programmes of study | Possible learning outcomes | Big ideas |
| the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem (KS3) identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution (KS2) | Understand that oak trees produce acorn fruits, that animals and plant feed on Appreciate the interdependence between the organisms in Nowhere Wood |
life depends on life |
The story begins with an observation, why are there so many acorns in Nowhere Wood, and why does it matter? Science always begins with observations, observations followed by questions.
2020 is officially recognised as a “mast year” for acorns in England. This was published after I had written this story in early September. There is also this video:
This is a very interesting video, but it gives the impression that the oak trees intentionally choose to overproduce acorns in mast years, but I am not sure that this is so. I suspect the weather conditions have to be right.
The video is quite long and does contain a double entendre, so use cautiously with a class. It is very informative for teachers, though.
The Stories from Nowhere will emphasise interdependence:
-
- between organisms in an ecosystem
-
- between parts within a cell
-
- between the cell and its environment
-
- between organisms and their parents
-
- between organisms and their ancestors.
Living organisms exist because of their interdependences. Understanding interdependence is a crucial first step to understanding what life is.
Trampling acorns underfoot
| Links to the stories | Key Stage 2 and 3 programmes of study | Possible learning outcomes | Big ideas |
| the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem (KS3) identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution (KS2) | Understand that oak trees produce acorn fruits, that animals and plant feed on Appreciate the interdependence between the organisms in Nowhere Wood |
life depends on life |
The story begins with an observation, why are there so many acorns in Nowhere Wood, and why does it matter? Science always begins with observations, observations followed by questions.
2020 is officially recognised as a “mast year” for acorns in England. This was published after I had written this story in early September. There is also this video:
This is a very interesting video, but it gives the impression that the oak trees intentionally choose to overproduce acorns in mast years, but I am not sure that this is so. I suspect the weather conditions have to be right.
The video is quite long and does contain a double entendre, so use cautiously with a class. It is very informative for teachers, though.
The Stories from Nowhere will emphasise interdependence:
-
- between organisms in an ecosystem
-
- between parts within a cell
-
- between the cell and its environment
-
- between organisms and their parents
-
- between organisms and their ancestors.
Living organisms exist because of their interdependences. Understanding interdependence is a crucial first step to understanding what life is.