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Dr Paula Owens

@geopaula.bsky.social
278 followers 436 following 169 posts

She/Her. Optimist, geographer, primary teacher & consultant, author. Trustee NAEE. Member Primary Geography Ed Board & EYPPC. PhD.

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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Oxford & Cambridge teams performed well on #UniversityChallenge tonight until a set of questions on recognising leaf outlines & tree silhouettes of common British trees Oak, Poplar, Ash and Elm. Only 1 correct answer & that looked like a guess. Education system really needs work. #naturedisconnect
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Neutrality, proportion, aesthetics & a good name .. thinking about #maps #EqualEarth #geographyteacher www.theguardian.com/science/ng-i...
theguardian.com
‘A map is never neutral’: meet the cartographers who took on centuries of western bias
Equal Earth projection, adopted by the UN last week, provides an alternative to 16th-century Mercator display
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
An interesting post from my friend and colleague Fran Martin - do have a read. #decolonising #inclusivity #education lnkd.in/p/evg2TRYd
lnkd.in
Nothing is Neutral. | Fran Martin
Dr Paula Owens Dr Rob Bowden Rosie Wilson Francisca Rockey Kit Marie Rackley
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
We are so not ready for this pace of change. #AI #society #climatecrisis ‘… underpinned by billions of dollars and the potential for significant environmental damage in an age when climate change is probably the biggest challenge we face.’ www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
theguardian.com
‘Immature playground boasting’: Mathematicians uneasy at OpenAI’s latest scalp
As OpenAI model cracks Millennium Prize Problem that puzzled experts for decades, many feel shocked at pace of change
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Never too old to make dreams come true .. performing our own songs at Oare Country Park over the weekend was so much fun. #WildRootsMusic
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Summer sale of education books. Our Award Winning, revised & new curriculum ready book ‘Teaching Primary #Geography’ has 30% discount. www.bloomsbury.com/uk/bloomsbur...
bloomsbury.com
Bloomsbury Curriculum Basics: Teaching Primary Geography
*Awarded silver in the Geographical Association Publishing Awards 2025*The Bloomsbury Curriculum Basics series provides non-specialist primary school teachers w…
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Prof Matt Hannon @matthannon.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A great success. Air pollution kills.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Excited to be working + local teachers, @historictownstrust.bsky.social, #HistoricEngland, Professors Helen Fulton & Peter Vujakovic, cartographer Giles Darkes at 1 day conf + #fieldwork in Bristol on Friday to share & explore newly created resources for 7-13s #Geography #History #PlaceDetectives
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
“Scientists should stop trying to be neutral and instead embrace their values,”says a group of top climate scientists, including @katharinehayhoe.com. The neutrality myth is harming the reputation of science right when we need it most.” #ClimateCrisis Science isn’t neutral. It’s science.
cbc.ca
Prominent climate scientist argues it's time to ditch the 'myth of neutrality' | CBC Radio
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe talks to Bob McDonald about the polarization of science and why she thinks scientists should stop pretending to be neutral when it's our planet at risk.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Was so lucky to spend time in the archives examining these & other treasures when creating #Shackleton & SA Agulhas II resources - the photos are sensational & featured heavily in downloadable lesson plans & PowerPoints for primary children #Antarctica #geographyteacher www.rgs.org/schools/reso...
rgs.org
Shackleton’s Endurance - A story of adventure and leadership | RGS
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EYPPC - GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION EY+PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY COMMITTEE @primarygeogeyppc.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Proud of the GeogLive! team for today's webinar on trade in primary teaching-Feedback welcome Thks Sophie, Julia, @geosteve7.bsky.social, Jen, Sally, @kateglanville.bsky.social, Tessa and all @geographicalassoc.bsky.social colleagues for your support @geopaula.bsky.social youtu.be/bc3O-hu9Loc?...
youtu.be
GeogLive! 33 Trade
YouTube video by GeogLive
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
May has given us brilliant women in science like Mary Anning, @profaliceroberts.bsky.social, & @anjanakhatwa.bsky.social & honoured to edit summer ed. of @The_GA #PrimaryGeography journal with an interview from Dr Anjana Khatwa. Another May treasure, packed with great articles. #primaryteacher
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American Association of Geographers @geographers.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
NEW State of Geography Report: The Status of Women in Geography Project examines the status of women and other underrepresented groups in the discipline of #geography in the U.S. Findings range from biases and barriers to initiatives taken to advance the status in the discipline: buff.ly/gY3kUDM
buff.ly
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Free guidance to download from @OrdnanceSurvey on planning your primary curriculum with #maps and #map work in mind. Underpinned by research & includes tables on #progression. #geographyteacher ordnancesurvey.co.uk/documents/reso…
ordnancesurvey.co.uk
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
A scary experience. Car cut out & died on a busy motorway - no time or space to pull left to the filter lane & hard shoulder. Just me & the dog in a car while traffic thundered past on both sides. Hazards on & 999 call later .. huge thank you to #KentPolice & #HighwaysAgency & Recovery person. Phew
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EYPPC - GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION EY+PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY COMMITTEE @primarygeogeyppc.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
EYPPC @geographicalassoc.bsky.social GeogLive! 4th March Want to know more about learning for the 3-5s? Sarah Sprake (EYteacher/adviser) will explore what HQ geog / UtW in the EY looks like @geosteve7.bsky.social @stevebracegeog.bsky.social @geopaula.bsky.social www.ticketsource.co.uk/eyppc
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UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) @ukceh.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Our own Bridget Emmett and Maud van Soest are among the speakers at this workshop exploring critical #soil issues. Register ahead of Monday's event ⬇️
Illustration of sky, trees, plants, and soil underneath under the title Soil Knowledge Exchange Workshop
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
When water shortages mean a capital city needs to be relocated - Tehran is unsustainable #climatecrisis #geographyteacher
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Fab - wonder, hope, maps, & spaces of possibility. #geographyTeacher
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UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) @ukceh.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
New analysis of 1960s land use maps, many created by schoolchildren and students, reveals fresh insights on the timing and extent of habitat losses caused by post-war agricultural intensification and urban growth in England and Wales. www.ceh.ac.uk/press/maps-c... 🧪 1/ #maps #LandUse
A split image showing Canford Heath, Dorset: left side features a 1960s land utilization survey map with color-coded zones; right side displays a present-day satellite view, highlighting urban development over former heathland.A historical land use map of Downham Market, Norfolk from the 1960s, shaded to show various land types like arable, urban, and woodland.Four digitised maps showing land cover changes in Wolverhampton, England from 1930 to 2020, highlighting shifts from broadleaved woodland and grassland to arable land and urban areas.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
As a new lunar cycle begins - let’s reflect on the Murmuring #Moon - the latest wonderful Blog + suggested teaching ideas from @naee-uk.bsky.social in their #EnvironmentalLunacy series. Thank you @attention2place.bsky.social ❤️ naee.org.uk/murmuring-mo...
naee.org.uk
Murmuring Moon - NAEE Environmental Lunacy
We propose an alternative full moon name for December: the ‘Murmuring Moon’. Winter is a time when most of the natural world seems to pause, rest or sleep. Yet above us, something miraculous still mov...
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EYPPC - GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION EY+PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY COMMITTEE @primarygeogeyppc.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The reviews are in for GeogLive! 29 Designing your Curriculum in the light of the @educationgovuk #Curriculum #Assessment #primary review Thanks to @geopaula.bsky.social @sharonwitt17.bsky.social and @helen55.bsky.social @geographicalassoc.bsky.social + many + colleagues youtu.be/Fez78ooH8PE?...
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
A bit under the radar .. more of our world’s precious wilderness, a home to indigenous people & wildlife, destroyed to make $$$ for a few people & fossil fuel related destruction for the rest of us. #Alaska #climatecrisis #biodiversitycrisis www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
White House approves increased oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s national wildlife refuge
National Petroleum Reserve lease sales and permitting for road through Izembek wildlife refuge were also approved
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Bat Conservation Trust @batconservation.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
🦇 Have a look at our brand new Halloween guide: www.bats.org.uk/support-bats... . A great resource for inspiration on how to help and celebrate bats this season!
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Interesting news #climatecrisis #renewables #geographyteacher www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Renewables overtake coal as world's biggest source of electricity
Developing countries lead the historic clean energy charge but the US and EU rely more on fossil fuels than before, a think tank study shows.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Beautiful sunny Autumn Equinox & we’re celebrating apple abundance with crumble. Chair #NAEE UK Paul Vare calls this a time of the ‘Apple Moon’ & urges us to think of the privilege behind the crunch. Great Blog + Teaching activities #environmentalLunacy. naee.org.uk/apple-moon
naee.org.uk
Apple Moon - UK NAEE
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Geographical issues - core knowledge essential but never enough on its own. ‘Place’ also influenced by values, culture …#Criticalthinking #geographyteacher #enquiry I can’t survive in a house’: Petra’s Bedouin resist moves to evict them from ancient cave homes. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
theguardian.com
‘I can’t survive in a house’: Petra’s Bedouin resist moves to evict them from ancient cave homes
Plans to improve the world heritage site for tourists put its living culture at risk, say locals and campaigners
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Our book #TeachingPrimaryGeography & others in series from BloomsburyEd are on offer until end of September. #StephenScoffham & I write about concepts, skills, progression + lesson outlines & sustainability links #primaryteacher #PrimaryGeography www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/bl...
bloomsbury.com
Bloomsbury Curriculum Basics: Bloomsbury Publishing (UK) - Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury Curriculum Basics provides non-specialist primary school teachers with subject knowledge and full teaching programmes in a variety of key primary cur…
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
I see Carol Ann Duffy the former poet laureate has written this fine poem re ‘that person’s’ visit and state banquet.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Ooops! Yes #geographymatters Great North Run apologises over ‘Newcastle map’ medals that actually show Sunderland www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Great North Run apologises over ‘Newcastle map’ medals that actually show Sunderland
Finisher T-shirts also feature outline of River Wear, as organisers spin medals as ‘most unique’ in event’s history
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Denise Wheeler @denisedwheeler.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
The new ICE song by Jesse Welles nails it. ICE isn’t recruiting heroes, it’s recruiting the bitter, the rejected, the ones desperate for a badge to cover their failures. Losers with power become the most dangerous kind. (c/o Caroline Codsi)
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Collapse of critical Atlantic current is no longer low-likelihood, study finds #geographyteacher www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Collapse of critical Atlantic current is no longer low-likelihood, study finds
Scientists say ‘shocking’ discovery shows rapid cuts in carbon emissions are needed to avoid catastrophic fallout
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
The wheel is turning .. great Blog from Dr David Dixon as we begin the lunar cycle of #HarvestMoon. Lots of ideas for schools to engage with as they return to school and think about harvest, seasonal changes & what’s happening in their area. From NAEE UK naee.org.uk/harvest-moon/
naee.org.uk
Harvest Moon - UK NAEE
Before the advent of mechanisation, people needed to have as much time during a day as possible in order to get the harvest in. This was greatly helped by the Harvest Moon.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Ashamed of UK government & their erosion of civil liberties. Ashamed I wasn’t there protesting against the eradication of a nation & its people too. Get a grip #Labour. Palestine Action ban protest: half of those arrested were 60 or over, data shows. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Palestine Action ban protest: half of those arrested were 60 or over, data shows
Total of 532 arrests at London protest on Saturday, most for displaying placards or signs in support of proscribed group
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
I must have missed this but love it. #rivers #sacred www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Environmentalist becomes first juror to swear oath on river water
Paul Powlesland, the co-founder of Lawyers for Nature, says he considers the River Roding to be sacred
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
Beautiful ‘Thistledown Moon’ rising tonight #fullmoon - do read this piece by @alanparkinson.bsky.social to find out why he suggests this name. naee.org.uk/thistledown-...
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
We know so much yet do so little. #geographyteacher Chemical #pollution a threat comparable to climate change, scientists warn. #environment www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Chemical pollution a threat comparable to climate change, scientists warn
More than 100 million ‘novel entity’ chemicals are in circulation, with health impact not widely recognised
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
A blustery walk on the marshes. We spotted the familiar, cross-faced, hoppity stance of a Little Owl in the dark, corner rafters of a barn, & were accosted by a shouty Sedge Warbler. Such a lot of attitude for the size! Hawthorn awash with ripening fruit and Yellow Toadflax lifted the day’s colours.
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Nature Portfolio @natureportfolio.nature.com · 05/08/2025
The results of a study in Nature Communications show that climate change is raising the odds of extreme fire years and the number of large forest fires, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate risks and adapt to extreme fire years. go.nature.com/4m8fTSA 🧪
Fig. 1: Extreme regional fire years across forested areas during 2002–2023.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
The #water scandal drones on - I really hoped a Labour government were going to take serious action but £ = power again. Meanwhile in case you hadn’t noticed UK people, our water bills have increased by about 50% so we can pay for their environmental vandalism. #waterpollution
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 31/07/2025
Palestinian children have been killed at a rate of more than one child per hour during Israel's war in Gaza. “A whole classroom of children killed every day for nearly two years,” UNICEF’s executive director said. Here are some of their stories: wapo.st/3UCiAjn
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Amazing! We’ve just watched this video in utter awe - attempting to run 186 miles of the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path in 50 hours is - insane. Lovely short engaging film. #Ultrarunner #Wales m.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe5w...
m.youtube.com
186 Miles Under 50 Hours on The Pembrokeshire Coast Path
YouTube video by Harrier Trail Running
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
I don’t know how many more signs & portents we need. #climateCrisis #biodiversityCrisis #geographyteacher From bird song on our doorstep to global oceans - are we listening carefully enough to the world? www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
nationalgeographic.com
Blue whales are going eerily silent—and scientists say it’s a warning sign
A six-year study off California’s coast shows how marine heat waves and noise pollution are silencing the ocean’s largest singers. Does saving the ocean start with hearing it?
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Delighted to welcome the latest blog in the #environmentalLunacy series from at @NAEE_UK from @geoblogs.bsky.social Find out why he suggests this coming lunar month brings a #ThistledownMoon #environmentalEducation #GeographyTeacher naee.org.uk/thistledown-...
naee.org.uk
Thistledown Moon - UK NAEE
On warm Autumn nights, the sky fills with seeds. The seeds are produced by thistles. They float easily on any updraft. A small breath of air will lift them into the air, where they float through Frenc...
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Lovely weekend with a friend - we top and tailed her conference w/e travelling & laughing together - in between I got a chance to do a bit of walking & swimming - saw my first compass jellyfish of the year!
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Just wow! We are so tiny …
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Ploughing & draining the Fens of Cambridgeshire creating an ‘illusion of food security’, says @tonyjuniper.bsky.social at Moor Meadows conference in Chagford, Devon - because the fertile peat soils are being lost & causing huge carbon emissions
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Decided last minute to join some friends camping in a field near Eastbourne at weekend. Weather hit & miss but good to switch off & appreciate basics of shelter, food & laughter. Last time here, I stayed in a hotel & saw Simon Reeve in his amazing one man show. Wisdom this trip came from Zoltar. 😉
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The Messy Ecologist @themessyecologist.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Today rather than our usual, I’m posting a photo of Dr Fortune Gomo, a fellow geographer who was murdered in my city this weekend. We need knives off the streets. Such a tragedy. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Dr Fortune Gomo: Man charged over death of scientist in Dundee
Dr Fortune Gomo, who was originally from Zimbabwe, was pronounced dead at the scene in Dundee on Saturday.
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Dr Paula Owens @geopaula.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
The latest Blog in the NAEE #environmentalLunacy series is from acclaimed children’s author Nicola Davies, who offers some beautiful insights into her local area & suggests why this lunar cycle might be termed the Jumpers’ Moon. Find out why… naee.org.uk/the-jumpers-...
naee.org.uk
The Jumpers’ Moon - UK NAEE
To the east the moon is rising, over the farmland where the haymaking of high summer gave it its name. Those fields of seeding grass and flowers, their corncrakes, yellow hammers, clouds of sparrows a...
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