Welcome to Moss and Lichen Unveiled: Nature’s Tiny Wonders Podcast! Join your host, Lauren MacLean, on a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of moss and lichen. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's poetic musings, Lauren invites fellow nature enthusiasts to delve deep into the often-overlooked world of these remarkable organisms.

In this episode, Lauren shares intriguing teaching and learning experiences centred around moss and lichen, highlighting their significance in the ecosystem. From hands-on activities like estimation exercises and observation sketches to artistic expressions using natural materials, listeners gain insight into the diverse ways these tiny wonders can inspire curiosity and discovery.

Guided by Lauren's enthusiastic narration, listeners explore the distinctive features of moss and lichen, from their rhizoids and filaments to their unique growth patterns and habitats. Through engaging descriptions and educational insights, listeners develop a deeper appreciation for these silent sentinels of the natural world.

So grab your magnifying glass and embark on a quest to uncover the mysteries of moss and lichen with Moss and Lichen Unveiled: Nature’s Tiny Wonders Podcast! Don't forget to follow @teachoutdoors.ca on Instagram and @lkmaclean on Twitter for updates on ongoing explorations and inquiries. Until next time, keep exploring, keep wondering, and keep marvelling at the beauty of the natural world.

Join us on today's episode as we delve into the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi with our special guest, Carly Eirikson, Vice-Principal of a local school district in British Columbia, Canada.

Carly shares her incredible journey with her grade 3 students, where a simple curiosity during nature walks blossomed into a captivating inquiry into the world of mushrooms and fungi. Utilizing the Walking Curriculum as her guide, Carly and her students embarked on a remarkable exploration, observing, and investigating the diverse fungi in their surroundings.

What makes this story truly remarkable is the involvement of families, who eagerly participated in the inquiry, even extending it to weekends. From humble beginnings, the inquiry grew into an immersive learning experience, seamlessly integrating science curriculum objectives.

In this episode, Carly discusses the process of weaving the science curriculum into the fungi inquiry, reflecting on what worked well and what she would do differently next time. Her insights offer valuable lessons for educators and parents alike on nurturing curiosity and fostering authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences.

As a bonus recommendation, Carly encourages listeners to watch the documentary *Fantastic Fungi*, which further illuminates the wonders of the fungal kingdom and its profound connections to our world.

Tune in to gain inspiration from Carly's journey and discover the magic of exploring nature through the lens of fungi! 🍄✨

In this episode of Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean, we embark on an enthralling exploration of the insect world, inspired by E.O. Wilson's timeless quote, "Every kid has a bug period. I never grew out of mine." Join us as we delve into the captivating realm of insects and spiders, shedding light on their crucial environmental roles.

Throughout the episode, Lauren encourages listeners to foster curiosity and understanding about these tiny creatures, often overlooked yet essential to our ecosystems. Beginning with observations of common species like butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and beetles, she guides us through their habitats, diets, and the challenges they face from predators.

But it's not just about facts; Lauren emphasizes the importance of perspective, prompting listeners to consider what makes certain bugs beautiful or terrifying and fostering appreciation for their diversity. The episode also features insights from students' research on notable features of butterflies, ladybugs, and beetles, accompanied by reflections on emotions evoked by these insects.

Listeners are invited to join Lauren on various outdoor activities, from constructing bug habitats to creating an insect field guide collaboratively. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of understanding the distinction between beneficial and harmful bugs and fostering an appreciation for these essential creatures in the natural world.

Tune in to Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean to explore the enchanting world of insects and bugs, celebrating their beauty and significance in our environment.