Resources

Looking for Links
Teachers' Pack

The "Looking for Links" teachers' pack aims to investigate the connections between the natural and made world. By investigating familiar and not-so-familiar environments, children not only become better informed but also better able to make decisions about the kind of world they want to live in.

Whether the investigations fall under the heading of science, technology, geography, history or art, all are intended to help children draw comparisons between the natural and made worlds. Comparisons include plants and buildings, flowers and clothes, roots and foundations.

The pack contains a video and a a teachers' booklet. The booklet is divided into four sections, with 10 activities in all.

1. Hidden Patterns
Compares patterns found in plants and architecture, and encourages children to create and record them through a variety of methods.

2. Parts of the Whole
Looks at how inter-dependent parts form a complete organism or structure, with pupils creating their own plants and leaves.

3. Forces and Structures
Investigates how extreme weather conditions can affect tall trees and buildings: activities include measuring trees and looking at how they support themselves.

4. Controlling the Environment
Shows how humans can adapt to a wide range of conditions, including temperature, humidity and ventilation, and how these can be controlled using energy-efficient methods.

The pack is available at the Victoria Gate Visitor Centre at Kew and the Mansion Shop at Wakehurst Place, or by mail order from:

Mail Order Section
RBG Kew Enterprises Ltd
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond
Surrey TW9 3AB
UK

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8332 5170
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 5161

Cheques should be made payable to RBG Kew Enterprises Ltd.
Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted for telephone orders only.

The cost of the pack is £12.00 plus £3.00 postage and packing for orders within the UK, plus VAT.