DSWF is currently working in collaboration with the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS). Working with the data sets and other assets generated by conservationists in our funded projects, IRIS will develop an online research project that supports young people and enables them to use real data to generate a hypothesis and investigate it, closely mirroring some of the real work of conservation.
Furthermore, the research experience can enrich their education for the following reasons:
We have an agreement in principle to work with IRIS. We are currently exploring a range of data that students will be able to explore, with the intention of going live with the project and more in 2024/2025.
IRIS provides free opportunities for young people in the UK, aged 11-18, to participate in cutting-edge research and collaborate with institutions while still at school. Like DSWF, IRIS believes that research experience can enrich education. Secondary, sixth form, and college students from all backgrounds can participate in authentic research and make valuable, recognised contributions.
Teenagers are ready-made free-thinkers, and we know that aspects of science can greatly benefit from those that think freely, laterally, and outside the box. When given this kind of responsibility, young people often rise to it in the most inspiring ways.
By enabling students to be involved with research and research practices, it has been shown to:
To find out more, get in touch with our education team now
Education is one of the DSWF’s key strategic pillars in our mission to fight, protect and engage on behalf of endangered species across the world. We have been delivering free assemblies, talks and workshops to schools, youth groups and children’s clubs for over 20 years. Find out how to invite DSWF to your school here.
Access a selection of information, resources, activities designed to support both Educators and Students to better understand biodiversity and conservation.
Our core aim is to deliver coherent conservation and wildlife messages, however we do link to the requirements from awarding bodies and national curricula where they naturally arise. Find out more about how we align our offer to current school and college curricula in the UK.