ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the phrase 'think local; act global' in the context of science in the primary school. It focuses on the use of local settings and frequent outdoor explorations to develop understanding of living things in their environment. The chapter explores a range of sensory activities to engage children's interest in the natural world and appropriate steps to move from explorations to systematic investigations of plants, animals, habitats and ecosystems. It then considers how a scientific understanding of the interdependence of living things within a local ecosystem can lead to a wider understanding of global issues such as conservation and sustainable development. Children may have a stereotypical view of ecosystems or of seasons. Children's food chains are likely to reveal a number of alternative ideas such as confusion with life cycles. Earthwalks is a general term given to a range of sensory activities that can be used to encourage children to explore their environment.
