Based on the poll earlier I thought it would be good to introduce some people to hinterland and some good resources to get started!

Comment below and share!

Hinterland is all the information and background we use to teach the core knowledge that students HAVE to know. /1

It's the stories, history background and examples we use to explain and bring that core knowledge to life. It's the stuff we get excited about as scientists!

If you want to read more on what it is and why it's important I'd recommend starting here: /2 https://achemicalorthodoxy.wordpress.com/2019/02/01/core-and-hinterland-whats-what-and-why-it-matters/

An example: I always like to talk about Rosalind Franklin's story when I teach the structure of DNA at KS4 and 5. Do the student's NEED to know this? No. But do I think they should? Yes. /3

Hinterland also helps give "real world" context to our subject so student's can see it's value and worth and help them remember by linking it to familiar contexts. Learn more about the science capital approach here: /4

Finally its the use of examples/stories from outside of the spec/curriculum that help students to apply that core knowledge to new contexts. This demonstrates they really understand that content and again gives you opportunity to weave in things you wouldn't have taught. /5

An example from one of the LGBTQ+ resources we have already shared. If students really understand alleles, fertilisation and sex determination - why not get them to have a look at other examples other than mammals and explain the differences to you?/ 6

If you have any great stories or hinterland resources please share below!

@DrWilkinsonSci science stories is a good resource for science history.

This discussion yesterday is also a great example: https://twitter.com/DiddygirlRuth/status/1277935031051259904?s=19

Lets all get our #hinterland hats on! #chatbiology