Lichen Projects for Schools

The British Lichen Society receives many requests from people (of all ages) as well as from their leaders and teachers for help with project work on lichens. They are an ideal subject for exploration and 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. They can be used by young people and adults in schools and colleges, and can be adapted for use by field centres and other local groups.

Remember: we can put you in touch with a local lichenologist, or provide e-mail support, if you would like some help. If you are a student working on an individual project or coursework involving lichens and need help,  fill in our Project Questionnaire . Send the completed questionnaire as an email attachment to

Many people have contributed to these resources, notably Pat Wolseley (Lichens on Twigs; Tree Lichens and Air Pollution) and the late 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 [ ] or write to Beauregard, 5 Alscott Gardens, Alverdiscott, BARNSTAPLE, Devon, EX31 3QJ.

MS Word and other files comprising the support materials and the projects are available here for downloading and printing out. (Right-click on a link and choose Save Link As to download).

 

The age groups for which they are appropriate are given as Key Stages:

Key stage 1: 5-7 years (school years 1-2)

Key stage 2: 7-11 years (school years 3-6)

Key stage 3: 11-14 years (school years 7-9)

Key stage 4: 14-16 years (school years 10-11)

Post-16: 16-18 years (school years 12-13)

 

Support materials for projects

• Introducing lichens and pollution powerpoint  ( OPAL for young nature-lovers Key Stages 1 and 2)
• Which lichens can you find?  (Simple Key) -  PDF file 275k
• [Next Steps] (Key to 20+ lichens)
• Lichens on Twigs (Guide to 60 lichens on twigs)
• 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 Key Stage 4 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
  • 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
  • Tree lichens and air pollution