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Research question: How does our method of transport affect the environment?
This research question would require previous lessons on climate change. The greenhouse effect would be an important lesson prior to investigating this research question.
I would introduce the question by prompting a discussion about how we all get to school every day. I would record this on the board using a tally system. The most common method is likely to be cars. We will then discuss the effects of vehicles on our environment and the emissions they produce. I would split the class into groups and get each group to research the emissions of different transportation methods and their effects. Resources such as TealTool would be useful for this investigation.
I would then follow on from this, by investigating how we could help reduce our transportation emissions and get students to come up with ideas we could present to the principal. There is great opportunities here for cross-curricular links.
I downloaded the Satellite Tracker app. I think for 49c a month, it is a cheap but worthwhile resource to help learn more about EO and satellites in space.
There were a number of satellites that have passed/will pass by my location in. All these satellites should be visible from my location.
1. COSMOS 1833- was a Soviet ELINT (Electronic and Signals Intelligence) satellite launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome aboard a Zenit 2 rocket.
2. Terra- is a multi-national scientific research satellite operated by NASA in a Sun-synchronous orbit around the Earth. It takes simultaneous measurements of Earth’s atmosphere, land, and water to understand how Earth is changing and to identify the consequences for life on Earth.
3. ISIS 1- ISIS 1 and 2 (“International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies”) were the third and fourth in a series of Canadian satellites launched to study the ionosphere over one complete solar cycle.
4. SAOCOM 1B- s an Earth observation satellite constellation of Argentina’s space agency CONAE.
5. SKYMED 1- Is an Italian Earth-imaging constellation consisting of four identical satellites which launched between 2007 and 2010. CSK-1, CSK-2 and CSK-4 remain operational.
This resource is really easy to use and would be enjoyable for children to use. I am already excited and counting down for the next satellite to pass over my location.
The documentary “HOME” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand focuses on important environmental and climate change-related topics. The movie focuses on the links that exist between all living things on Earth and how these relationships have been harmed by human activity. It draws attention to how pollution, overfishing, and deforestation affect ecosystems.
Children should be informed of the Paris Climate Agreement. Since it is the most significant political agreement of our generation on climate change, I would discuss it in the classroom, paying special attention to the goals Ireland established and whether or not we have achieved them. Greta Thunberg’s Ted talk is really captivating. The passion and emotion she holds for the topic is evident. I think students would respond well to someone who is closer to their age and take inspiration from her.
Activity 3 is an excellent resource for the topic of climate change. The main focus of this activity is exploring the greenhouse affect and developing a better understanding of this. The Praxi video is a great tool for beginning the lesson as it explains what the greenhouse affect is in a way that is easy to understand for all. This video also explains what we as humans are doing to cause an increase in gasses in our atmosphere as well as what can be done to help reduce CO2 levels. If i was to play this video for my class, i would pause it at different points and prompt discussions throughout. This would help keep children engaged and allow them to ask any questions they may have.
The Teal tool is a fun way of investigating the greenhouse affect. However, i would keep this tool for older classes as it can be difficult to navigate. It allows you to see what countries are producing vast amounts of C02 as well as what countries experience the greatest effects of the rise in CO2 emissions. One thing that stood out to me, was the rise in CO2 emissions across the world in the late 20th century and 21st century compares to before.
Hi Dara.
I agree that activity 1 is a great introductory lesson to the topic of Weather and Climate. It assess prior knowledge and requires children to use vocab related to the topic. By conversing with peers they may pick up some new words and information before the topic is explored in further detail.
I found module 1 Weather and Climate had lots of valuable resources and ideas that can be used in the classroom. One I liked for younger classes is the idea of having a weather journal. This would be a fun activity for kids and something that could be done every day. I also found the videos helpful when explaining different concepts about weather and climate. There was some good child appropriate videos included also. I love the idea of creating a weather station in the classroom or even take a whole school approach. There were some great ideas of how to make your own weather instruments. There would be opportunities for older classes to help younger children learn about weather by showing them how to use these instruments and what they tell us.
Activity 1- Weather vs Climate
This is a simple activity that allows children understand the difference between weather and climate. The idea of asking children about the weather on their last birthday is something that would really engage students and prompt relevant conversations.
Activity 2- Weather Detectives
This activity teaches children how to carry out scientific test in a fair way. There is also strong cross curricular integration with maths concepts that can be used to teach things like graphs, averages and more. An activity like this will interest children while also providing lots of learning opportunities.