Rooted in ecological principles & enriched through visual storytelling and participatory art practices, these sessions:
Explore systems thinking
Unlock creativity
Strengthen empathy & group coherence
Reconnect with ecological values
“Aviva's innovative workshops brought together art, science, storytelling, intellectual rigour and so much more. They were truly transformative.” Dr Jane Merewether, Edith Cowan University
UPCOMING ONLINE COURSES
These courses provide a dynamic professional development opportunity for people working at the interface of nature and culture and who want to strengthen their understanding of eco-literacy and systems thinking. These courses are suitable for Educators, Landscape architects, Town planners, Community practitioners, Social entrepreneurs, Artists, Curious beings. Participants will engage with contemporary environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates the arts, humanities and the sciences, encouraging creative and critical ways of thinking about complex ecological systems, and thus gaining tools to better understand and respond to environmental change. These courses offer a fresh and engaging pathway into ecological literacy.
No scientific background required- only curiosity.
Ecology 101 offers an interactive online course that combines ecological science with humanities and philosophy, through conversation, creative expression, storytelling, mapping, drawing, reflective practice, and collaborative inquiry.
Rather than memorizing terminology, participants learn by seeing themselves as part of the living systems that sustain life on Earth. Through guided conversations, visual exercises, nature observation, thought experiments, art making, creative prompts, and dialogue learners develop an ecological lens for understanding how organisms, landscapes, and physical processes interact to create the diversity and resilience of life.
The Web- Foundations of Ecology
Topics
What is Ecology?
Energy Flows and Matter Cycles
Biotic and Abiotic Relationships and somewhere in between
Vibrant matter
Species, Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems
Habitat and Niche
Structure and Diversity in Living Systems
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Understand key ecological vocabulary
Recognize relationships between organisms and physical environments
Describe how energy and matter move through ecosystems
Develop systems-thinking skills through creative practice
Upon purchase, you will receive an email with further information including a zoom link, reading materials and materials needed for the online session.
BELOW ARE SOME IDEAS FOR CURATED SESSIONS
Microbial wonders Explore the magical world of microbial life through Aviva’s beloved co authored series, Small Friends Books. Learn about symbiosis, soil health, coral bleaching, phosphorescent squid and microscopic organisms through storytelling and painting.
Water Stories- Dive into the science of water cycles, healthy catchments, river ecology and water stewardship. A dynamic session combining water ecology and illustration.
Soil and Decomposition- Explore soil ecology, composting, fungi, and food webs. Illustrate the hidden worlds beneath their feet while uncovering the science behind decomposition and regeneration.
Deep Time- Travel into the vast story of Earth itself. In this immersive workshop, will explore the concept of Deep Time — the geological timescale that stretches billions of years into the past and also, into our deep time futures.
Carbon literacy- A journey through carbon cycles using six key carbon molecules as main inspiration towards watercolour artworks.
These workshops can be developed for primary, secondary, tertiary, community and corporate settings. Please be in touch with a specific idea for a workshop for your work place or school.
“Aviva’s thoughtful workshops brought soil’s infinite connections alive in immersive ways, stimulating a creative response and inviting all participating teachers to envisage new possibilities for child-soil relations in their daily practice. In the very moving Soil Biome Immersion experience we were reminded of being soil ourselves, and in the carefully guided Ecological Portraits experience we became attuned to noticing soil’s multiple relations. Our research project has been greatly enriched and expanded by the encounter with Aviva”.
Dr Stefania Giamminuti, Edith Cowan University
Select past clients include:
