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The Geographical Association (GA), David Ross Education Trust (DRET), British Society for Soil Science (BSSS) and the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences at Cranfield University are pleased to announce our joint Investigating Soil Infiltration project.
Supported through the Royal Society’s Seed Grant funding, this project will work with primary and secondary schools to explore the influences on rates of soil infiltration. An understanding of these processes is a key feature of the National Curriculum for geography and the project will support teachers to carry out high-quality fieldwork within their school grounds.
Schools will undertake their infiltration fieldwork over the coming terms to investigate different conditions and contexts. They will be provided with standardised equipment and professional support with their investigations from the GA and DRET geography teams.
Each school will also receive additional support and on-site visits from leading soil experts from the British Society for Soil Science and the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences at Cranfield University. These visits will explore the importance of soils to our lives and where an interest in soils can take you in later life.
We will share the outcomes of the project and how other teachers might embed such work through online resources to be developed in partnership with the schools, BSSS and Cranfield University.
Andrew Morris, Director BSSS: ‘Encouraging young people to engage with soil science is vital for the future of the planet and the sector. This exciting project offers a hands-on introduction to the subject, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with The Geographical Association and David Ross Education Trust on such a vital enterprise. Too often soils often goes unnoticed, yet it is the foundation of life. This initiative not only brings soils to the surface—literally and metaphorically—but also plants the seeds for the next generation of soil scientists.’
Dr Daniel Evans Lecturer in Soil Formation, Cranfield University: ‘I’m delighted to support this project on behalf of Cranfield University. Healthy soils are the foundation of our future, and I’m excited about inspiring and engaging the next generation about the importance of soils.’
Chantal Mayo-Hollaway Trust-wide subject lead (Geography). DRET: ‘This project provides an excellent opportunity to connect our schools across both a primary and secondary phase with real world geography; enabling students to become citizen scientists. It will inform future understanding of flood risk across Northamptonshire and enhance a love of enquiry and curiosity about the land beneath their feet.’
Dr Becky Kitchen, Head of Professional Development, Geographical Association: ‘This is a very exciting project for the GA to be involved in. We hope that, as well as providing an opportunity for pupils to engage in high-quality fieldwork, it also supports teachers in their own professional development.’
We are delighted to be working with the following primary and secondary schools:
Eastfield Academy, Northampton
Falconer’s Hill Academy, Daventry
Kings Heath Primary Academy, Northampton
Kingsthorpe College, Kingsthorpe, Northampton
Lodge Park Academy, Corby
Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton
The Arbours Primary Academy, Northampton
