This paper introduces a pilot project that explores ways to foster the skills of noticing plants through the design of tools and activities, informed by pedagogical approaches for environmental care.
Biodiversity Logbooks is a collaboration between design researchers and a primary school in North West England. It investigates an integrated learning approach combining the use traditional photographic techniques (cyanotypes), drawing practices, fieldwork and creative computing to get to know plants in their environment. Preliminary results show that involving children in hands-on processes of visualisation helps them slow down and pay closer attention to plant features, structures, and habitat, thus contributing to countering plant blindness. It also reinforces lessons learnt in class, by giving the opportunity to use appropriate science vocabulary.
In this presentation, we will describe the project, report on initial lessons learnt, and reflect on how experiences like this one might be extended and embedded in the school curriculum.