Shore Shapers: Introducing children and the general public to biogeomorphological processes and geodiversity

Naylor, L, Lovell, R, Coombes, M, Sewell, J and white, A 2014 Shore Shapers: Introducing children and the general public to biogeomorphological processes and geodiversity. [Poster] In: Second EMSEA Conference 2014, Gothenburg, Sweden, 01/10/14 - 03/10/14. Second EMSEA Conference.

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Abstract/Summary

Coastal processes and wildlife shape the coast into a variety of eye-catching and enticing landforms that attract people to marvel at, relax and enjoy coastal geomorphology. These landforms also influence biological communities by providing habitat and refuge. There are very few field guides to explain these processes to the general public and children. In contrast, there is a relative wealth of resources and organised activities introducing people to coastal wildlife, especially on rocky shores. These biological resources typically focus on the biology and climatic controls on their distribution, rather than how the biology interacts with its physical habitat. As an outcome of two recent rock coast biogeomorphology projects (detailed at: www.biogeomorph.org/coastal) a multi disciplinary team produced the first known guide to understanding how biogeomorphological processes help create coastal landforms. The ‘Shore Shapers’ guide (shoreshapers.org) is designed to: a. bring biotic geomorphic interactions (how animals, algae and microorganisms protect and shape rock) to life and b. introduce some of the geomorphological and geological controls on biogeomorphic processes and landform development. The guide provides scientific information in an accessible and interactive way – to help sustain children’s interest and extend their learning. We tested a draft version of the guide with children,the general public and volunteers on rocky shore rambles using social science techniques and present the findings, alongside initial results of an evaluation of a newer version of the guide and interactive workshops taking place throughout 2014.

Item Type: Publication - Conference Item (Poster)
Subjects: Earth Sciences
Ecology and Environment
Education
Divisions: Marine Biological Association of the UK > Other (MBA)
Depositing User: Mr Jack Sewell
Date made live: 14 Dec 2015 12:53
Last Modified: 09 Feb 2024 17:01
URI: https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/6668

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