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Resources for teachers

Teachers and students using Field Studies Council identification sheetsDarwin Inspired Learning promotes teaching that encourages enquiry-based learning. It prompts students both to gain knowledge and develop a broad understanding of the many concepts, principles, models and theories Charles Darwin initiated in the field of natural science. Students are expected to work like Darwin so that they begin to understand the nature of science; making observations, asking questions, experimenting to investigate the natural world, collaborating with others, reading and researching. These resources are a starting point for evidence gathering and making good arguments that students explain to others.

The resources facilitate group work and encourage everyone to express an opinion. They also promote decision making about how investigations are set up. The resources help teachers to see an out of the classroom visit as an integral part of Darwin Inspired Learning.

We currently have resources developed for Key Stages 2-3 (for our international audience, that covers ages 7-14); resources for post-16 students are being finalised. We are working on developing resources for Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16).


Darwin Inspired Learning - what should it look like?

When assessing student progression, teachers might consider whether Darwin Inspired learning criteria have been fulfilled and students have:

  • developed a sense of place through direct engagement with the natural world using their own local environments (or perhaps those places Darwin worked);
  • developed active learning through seeking out experiences and questions, solving problems, and learning through dialogue with teachers/experts and between learners;
  • used their imagination and thoughtful hands-on enquiry as well as learning high quality engaging content;
  • engaged in critical, creative thinking about how we know what we know and how scientists work;
  • engaged in interdisciplinary studies, with Darwin as the context, between science, and literature, writing and expression, history, religious studies, geography, horticulture, dance and drama, design and technology, mathematics, music and art.
For more information on Darwin Inspired Learning see: