Ever wondered how to bring real-world science into your classroom in a meaningful and engaging way? This session introduces Inside Nature, a free resource developed by ZSL that transforms real animal post-mortems into curriculum-linked learning experiences.
You’ll gain insight into the full journey—from veterinary investigation to classroom resource—including the scientific, ethical, and creative decisions involved. Through examples and discussion, we’ll explore how authentic science can enhance engagement, deepen understanding, and make abstract concepts tangible for students. Whether you’re looking to enrich your curriculum, improve practical engagement, or connect students with real scientific careers, this session will provide inspiration and ready-to-use ideas.
Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Explain how authentic scientific practices can be adapted into curriculum-aligned resources Identify effective strategies for using real-world science to enhance student engagement and understanding Evaluate the use of multimedia approaches (e.g. dissection footage, animation) in supporting learning Plan how to incorporate similar approaches or resources into their own teaching context
Background: At ZSL, every animal that dies in our care undergoes a post-mortem (necropsy) conducted by specialist veterinary pathologists. These examinations contribute to animal welfare, global research, and the advancement of veterinary knowledge.
Recognising that many secondary schools face barriers to accessing real-world science experiences, ZSL’s Conservation Education team developed Inside Nature. This project bridges classroom learning and authentic scientific practice by transforming real post-mortems into curriculum-linked resources. Drawing on collaboration between educators, scientists, and creative teams, the project translates complex, sensitive material into impactful, accessible teaching tools
