Because of the reddish-brown head and black cheek patch, these are Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) and not house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Our apologies for this inappropriate illustration, and our thanks to Lijbert Brussaard (Wageningen) for reporting the error. (GvM, 22 September 2025). PHOTO: PXHERE
Climate change has been a widely discussed topic in recent years. But how does it relate to the ecology curriculum? And what does the house sparrow have to do with it? In the Lessnack from the Klimaat Helpdesk, pupils preparing for their havo and vwo examinations investigate changes in house sparrow population numbers. In doing so, they apply concepts such as habitat, biotic and abiotic factors in a realistic context. They look, for example, at the effect of sustainability measures on the availability of food for house sparrows. The material also asks pupils to suggest ways of improving the situation of the house sparrow. The worksheet is best used after the general ecological concepts have been covered. It can be used as extra practice before a test or as an enrichment lesson. The assignments, appendices and worked answers are available via the following website: tinyurl.com/mea4ydet. (Milena Vlot)