Moss Safari
I was really happy to finally get to attend the ‘Moss Safari’ session at ASE Conference this year. I have nearly managed it a few times but then missed out, sadly. Having learned of the existence of tardigrades through Explorify (my favourite Zoom in, Zoom out activity), I was so keen to attend and finally see one with my own eyes.
This activity is a great introduction to the biology of moss, microorganisms and engaging with nature/science.
In the session, Dr Andy Chandler-Grevatt (creator of Moss Safari) introduced attendees to the amazing microscopic world that is to be found living in moss! Dr Andy was using a microscope which was X100 magnification and it was amazing! We saw single and multi-celled organisms and were looking for any of the ‘Big five’ multi-cellular organisms. We saw nematodes and rotifers which was fascinating. Observing their structure, movements and habits was incredible. We did not see any tardigrades sadly but I have been inspired to get our microscopes out at school more often and get our kids hooked! No mites or gastrotrichs either!
Tardigrades- water bears or moss piglets- are eight legged, segmented micro-animals and fascinating creatures. They are SO hardy- and can withstand massively high or low temperatures and pressures, radiation, air deprivation, dehydration and starvation. They can go into a state of hibernation for many, many years. An adult is only 0.5mm long! They have been known to travel to space and back on space suits!
Dr Andy has been part of a BBC live lesson which you can access with your pupils. He also attends various conferences including the New Scientist Live which he took part in last year. On the Moss Safari website you can access his blog, information and free educational resources/downloads.
British Science Week 2024 – Live Lesson - BBC Teach
Moss Safari – Adventures in discovering organisms that live in moss
Give it a go yourself- our pupils at Burlington Juniors love getting the microscopes out. It introduces them to a new and weird world! Events where this could be really impactful to promote science at school include during transition, at parents evening, as part of a careers event/science fair, within science club or as part of a science community event.