Fantasy Forests in a Time of Ecological Crises

Dion is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow researching how forests are imagined in the fantasy fiction of William Morris, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Through immersive walks and interactive workshops in the Wyre Forest, Dion has been using imaginary forests to help us better perceive and understand the forests around us.

Key Stage
4 and 5
Learning Objectives
Identify links between fantasy fiction and forest ecology Describe how reading walks can be used to collect quantitative and qualitative data Evaluate the role of historical fantasy fiction in shaping a sustainable future
Key Words
Biodiversity	Ecosystem	Fiction	Metaphor	Sustainability
Time Frame
Past	Present	Future

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Mini Lecture Learning Resources

Identify and draw ecological features such as rivers, ponds and key features that support a fully functioning ecosystem on this blank fantasy forest map. Make sure to outline the climate and weather of your forest and add a key. Explain to a partner why you designed your map the way you did, focusing on the concepts of interconnectedness and biodiversity.

Download the FREE editable resource: Fantasy Forest Mapping Activity.docx Download Fantasy Forest Mapping Activity.docx

How can you use Dion's mini lecture in your classroom?

1. Hook Activity: use this mini lecture as a 'hook' for your lessons to grab pupils attention, generate interest around the topic and highlight the wider context for the topic.

2. Key Word Generator: encourage your pupils to write down as many keywords from the mini lecture as they can. Use this list to: create a glossary, play bingo, have a game of Pictionary etc.

3. Quiz Maker: encourage your pupils to create a set of quiz cards/ true or false questions and/ or exam style questions based on the clip. Ask them to try out each others quizzes and reflect on what they have learnt.

4. Note-Taker: for students moving into Y12 and Y13, use the mini lecture to try out different note-taking techniques and support the transition to KS5 and Higher Education.

5. Seminar Showcase: encourage your pupils to set up their own lunch club and use the mini-lectures to discuss underlying research themes, such as climate change, biodiversity, plants and trees.

If you think of any other ways to use this mini lecture in your classroom, we would love to know! Share @BIFoRUoB #MiniLecture