Part of the [National Grid for Learning] (NGfL)

The British Lichen Society receives many requests from school children (of all ages) as well as from their teachers for help with project work on lichens. They are an ideal subject for study as they can be found both in an urban environment and in the countryside and can be studied throughout the year.

Many simple projects, such as those offered below, can be devised using lichens. The projects cover aspects of the National Curriculum, requirements of awarding bodies and include important skills, but seldom depend upon detailed identification. We hope that they will capture your imagination and help the development of a scientific approach to exploring the natural world and will be of use to young people and adults in schools, colleges, field centres and other local groups.

Remember:

• we can put you in touch with a local lichenologist, or provide e-mail support, if you'd like some help. If you are a student working on an individual project or coursework involving lichens and need help, click on [Project Questionnaire].
• Send the completed questionnaire as an email attachment to [Ann Allen].

Many people have contributed to these projects, notably Pat Wolseley (Tree Lichens and Air Pollution: Trunk and Twig Projects) and Jeremy Gray (photographs and computing skills). We gratefully acknowledge work by the late Tom Chester, British Lichen Society Churchyard Co-ordinator.

Ann Allen and Barbara Hilton, on behalf of the BLS Education and Promotions Committee, welcome comments on these projects and any improvements you may wish to suggest. We should be most interested to know of any work you do with lichens. Kindly send information and comments to [Ann Allen] or write to Beauregard, 5 Alscott Gardens, Alverdiscott, BARNSTAPLE, Devon, EX31 3PT.

MS Word files of the support materials and the projects are available for downloading individually for printing out.

Support materials for projects

• [OPAL project activity for wildlife clubs or school groups] (Key Stages 1 and 2) 2,783k
• [Exploring the Churchyard: Teachers' Notes] (Key Stages 2 and 3) 25k
• [Selected References] (Key Stages 2 and 3) 23k
• [Background Information] (Key Stage 4 and Post-16) 21k
• [Project References] (Key Stage 4 and Post-16) 25k

Projects: Key Stages 2 and 3

• [Lichens around the churchyard] 28k
• [Where do crusty or leafy lichens grow?] 89k
• [Lichens west and east] 25k
• [How fast do lichens grow?] (can extend to KS4 with calculation) 21k

Projects: Key Stages 3 and 4

• [Lichens on a wall] 32k
• [Lichens on tree trunks] 26k

Key Stage 4 and Post-16

• [Learning Objectives] (Key Stage 4 and Post-16) 23k
• [Working with dichotomous keys] 222k
     Key to Nine Common Churchyard Lichens (Key Stage 4 and Post-16)
     Make a Dichotomous Key (Post-16)
• [Lichen distribution in the shore spray zone] (Post-16) 25k
• [More advanced projects] 31k
     A Walls (Key Stage 4)
     B Air Quality (Post-16)
     C Church Walls (Post-16)
• NEW [Tree lichens and air pollution: trunk and twig project]