Moss Safari: A gateway into microscopy

Moss Safari has developed over the past five years and is growing in popularity in primary and secondary schools, as well as attracting interest within the biological and environmental science education community. At a time when natural history, biodiversity and climate change are high on the agenda, Moss Safari offers an engaging strategy to bring these themes to life in the school laboratory. The “microscopic Big Five” provide a gateway to using microscopes in lessons, developing practical skills and supporting thinking about the impact of global issues on microscopic life—and vice versa. Moreover, Moss Safari highlights gaps in our knowledge and shows students that science is still unfolding: there is space for them to make discoveries. Whether you have heard of Moss Safari or not, this session is a must for any biology teacher. Focusing on natural history, biodiversity and climate change, it will leave you enthusiastic to run a Moss Safari with your classes and will equip you with the skills and knowledge to bring the activity to life. In the five years since Moss Safari was first developed, Andy Chandler‑Grevatt has distilled his research and experience into the book Moss Safari: Exploring the Secret Life in Moss, published by Pelagic Publishers (June 2025). The session comprises a 35‑minute lecture and demonstration, followed by 5 minute reflection and next steps for participants, then 15 minutes for questions. Andy will showcase the newly updated, free downloadable resources that participants can take back to their schools or colleges for use immediately. Participants will: > Understand the aims and opportunities for using Moss Safari in lessons or as an extracurricular activity. > Gain new subject knowledge that links key concepts in biological and environmental education to Moss Safari. > Obtain free resources to support teaching biological and environmental concepts through Moss Safari.