Introductory techniques

Discuss what we might expect to find in a well looked after and not so well looked after space.

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Create bingo cards that have a spread of cared for and not so cared for words on them and discuss what the words mean with the pupils. As a class explore the school grounds including areas with restricted access, such as the car park, wildlife area etc. In pairs, pupils complete ‘Perfect place’ bingo. Pupils can take pictures to evidence what they find.

Ask pupils whether everywhere needs to be neat and tidy or whether some spaces should be wild and messy.

Discuss who is responsible for making a place a pleasant and easy to use space.

Technique to assess human impact and ethics

In role as king or queen of the playground, pupils walk the grounds and on a map colour code with highlighter pens – green and red – areas that are well looked after and those that are not. They can add in simple annotations for what they are most proud of, what they would change and what actions they would ask everyone to do to make their kingdom better for everyone.

Share annotations and thoughts as a class and discuss whether there are more well looked after or neglected areas. Which things stand out (the negatives) and what impression they can give. This can develop into a discussion around bias as just a few things out of place, a few weeds or pieces of litter can ‘ruin’ the whole space.

Discuss how can we all help keep our playground / local area / planet a great place to live?

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The Geographical Association (GA) has worked closely with the Field Studies Council (FSC) to develop these resources.