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To begin the project use the climate detective research planner to develop our own research in relation to a climate issue.
Research Question: What is the effect of pollution on the river Barrow?
Firstly elicit prior knowledge using a KWL chart or mind. To engage pupils show an image, video clip or object.
Then identify the problem with the class.
Investigate with the class. View the Barrow catchment on the map. Research using websites such as Inland fisheries Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency. Read the barrow catchment report. Look at graphs showing water quality, waterbodies and fish. Research the causes of pollution such as local agriculture, industry, urban waste water. Look at the clarity of a river water sample. Invite a guest speaker. Take a field trip.
Discuss and share the results and draw up strategies to reduce water pollution. Some suggestions that could be put forward-
Reduce the use of poisonous sprays on driveways and ditches.
Reduce the amount of pesticides, herbicides and chemicals in farming.
Reduce plastic waste.
Properly dispose of hazardous household waste.Hi Orla,
I think this is a great project and very relevant to the recent weather we had. Being able to use the immediate school environment is great starting point and very practical. I like the way you extend the lesson out to the local environment by using satellite imagery and maps.
I agree Sean. It is fascinating to think of all the amazing work being done over our heads! I think the children would really enjoy tracking satellites and learning about each one.
I have never given satellites much thought other than spotting some in the skies on a clear night. It is amazing to think how many pass over and the amazing research that is happening far out in space. I used the Satellite tracker and Oribitrack app. Some of the satellites passing over Ireland recently are Spacevan, Transporter 17, and a number of STAR LINK satellites. You can find view each satellites in 3D and view the countries they represent. There is a countdown timer as to when they will pass over your current location. You can see the speed they travel this would be fascinating for student to track a satellite as it passes over countries.
There is so much potential for integration with maths and geography. I would then use the EO Browser with pupils to see the type of imagery and research these satellites can carry out. The EO browser allows you to view satellite imagery of agriculture, air pollution, floods, vegetation and forestry, oceans etc
I found viewing images of Australia very interesting and comparing them to images of Ireland. This would be ideal for studying natural disasters such as wild fires or volcanic activity. It gives pupils a hands on experience for researching projectsThe documentary ‘Home’ by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is compelling in highlighting the devastation caused by humanity. The aerial shots are captivating and focus on various locations around the planet. No part of the globe is left unaffected.
The Climate Aid video is moving and the message hits home quickly in this short video. It also shows the negative effects of deforestation and pollution. This could be used as a stimulus at the start of a lesson. I would use clips from the ‘Home’ video and link them to the relevant activities throughout the year.
I think pupils would relate to the Greta Thunberg TED Talk by hearing a young person speak about climate change. She is a role model for children. I found the video on Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2019 to be positive. It demonstrates in simply and clearly steps we are taking locally. The Carbon Footprint calculator is an excellent tool to use with the class and it gives recommendations at end of the test.Hi Diarmuid,
The elephant and fish imagery is a great way to explore the symbiotic relationships between different species.
I agree that there is scope for integration between climate statistics and maths.
The Home and Aid videos have a great impact but as you said some pupils may find it worrying.
The Paxi video can be used with children as a trigger or stimulus at the start of the lesson and to elicit prior learning. By looking at and discussing future scenarios, children will learn what they would mean for monthly average temperatures in our area. Students can identify the consequences of increasing amounts of carbon dioxide and actions we can take to reduce global warming. Cutting and pasting images from the video is a nice activity for middle classes. The TEAL tool could be used with the senior classes to explore temperature rises locally and across the globe. As a follow up, I would use the ESERO Framework to plan inquiry in action activities. Modelling the green house effect using thermometers, lamp, soil and 2 clear plastic bottles, cling film etc. is a great hands on learning activity. Children can record and compare the temperatures from both bottles and discuss reasons for the differences.
Hi Chloe,
I really like the way you are integrating art and STEM. A lot of what you have mentioned is aligned with the new Primary Curriculum Framework, School Self Evaluation and Digital Learning plans. The Teal tool supports the pupils becoming active learners and digital learners.
Hi Lorraine,
How lovely! The students are very lucky to have a pond, native trees , raised beds and herb gardens. Your school has really embraced the outdoor learing environment. It is so important not only for STEM but also for Wellbeing.
I am interested in your suggestion about the eight week Education for Sustainabilty programme. It is something I am interested in doing with my class next year.
Dr. Liston’s paper ‘Unravelling STEM: Beyond the acronym of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics’ prompts us as teachers to clearly reflect on what STEM means and how each element is as important as the other. In order for an activity to be truly STEM, integration across the four elements is essential. Engineering is a vital approach which helps binds together science, maths and technology. I found the pen analogy helpful in looking at technology not only as ‘a plug in’ but a manmade device that fulfils a human needs or want.
In First Class, my pupils measured rain fall using a class made rain gauge. We also collaborated with Third Class. First Class read the temperature each day and Third Class took the results over a few weeks and analysed the data using graphs. In addition to this I would like to set up a school Met. Station. This is a great way to promote outdoor learning. By encouraging children to become weather detectives, they are developing problem solving and critical thinking skills also.
I found the ESA resources very practical. I look forward to using the ‘Nose Up high in the Sky’ activities. There is potential for linkage with Gaeilge, history and the local weather proverbs. Grandparents and older people often have great sayings relating to the weather.Hi Amelia,
I enjoyed reading about your research topic. I think urban development significantly impacts the local environment through habitat loss, changing natural landscapes and pollution. Your question is practical and engages children in researching their local environment. The EO browser and Google Maps could be used for recent images as well as field trips. I like the idea of surveying and interviewing people who have lived in the area for a long time. Children could collate information and gathering evidence and then hold a presentation of findings or a photographic exhibition in the school. Pupils might then suggest ways to improve green spaces in their local community.
To begin the project use the climate detective research planner to develop our own research in relation to a climate issue.
Research Question: What is the effect of pollution on the river Barrow?
Firstly elicit prior knowledge using a KWL chart or mind. To engage pupils show an image, video clip or object.
Then identify the problem with the class.
Investigate with the class. View the Barrow catchment on the map. Research using websites such as Inland fisheries Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency. Read the barrow catchment report. Look at graphs showing water quality, waterbodies and fish. Research the causes of pollution such as local agriculture, industry, urban waste water. Look at the clarity of a river water sample. Invite a guest speaker. Take a field trip.
Discuss and share the results and draw up strategies to reduce water pollution. Some suggestions that could be put forward by pupils are –
Reduce the use of poisonous sprays on driveways and ditches.
Reduce the amount of pesticides, herbicides and chemicals in farming.
Reduce plastic waste.
Properly dispose of hazardous household waste.Hi Sarah, I also found ‘Nose up High in the sky’ to be a lovely resource for introducing weather. For the Junior classes I would ask the children to ‘sense the weather’ by using touch, sight, smell and hearing to describe the weather conditions. There is potential to link weather lessons with other subjects. In Gaeilge themes such as an aimsir, pupils could talk about meanings behind seanfhocail relating to the weather. In history, pupils can speak to an older family member, record their sayings and discuss significant weather events they experienced growing up. It is a fantastic resource that I will certainly use over the year and in the future with different age groups.
I have never given satellites much thought other than spotting some in the skies on a clear night. Its amazing to think how many pass over and the amazing research that is happening far out in space. I used the Satellite tracker and Oribitrack app. Some of the satellites passing over Ireland recently are Deimos, Sac-D Aquarius, Maroc Tubsat and a number of STAR LINK satellites. You can find view each satellites in 3D and view the countries they represent. There is a countdown timer as to when they will pass over your current location. You can see the speed they travel this would be fascinating for student to track a satellite as it passes over countries.
There is so much potential for integration with maths and geography. I would then use the EO Browser with pupils to see the type of imagery and research these satellites can carry out. The EO browser allows you to view satellite imagery of agriculture, air pollution, floods, vegetation and forestry, oceans etc.
I found viewing images of Australia very interesting and comparing them to images of Ireland. This would be ideal for studying natural disasters such as wild fires or volcanic activity. It gives pupils a hands on experience for researching projects.Hi Andy, The documentary ‘Home’ is impactful and the striking cinematography would captivate a class. I agree that it could be used as a stimulus for class discussion and for debates on topics such as deforestation and carbon emissions. Pupils will engage with the carbon footprint calculator as it is relevant to their own lives. They can work together to come up with solutions to reduce their individual carbon footprint. I admire your ideas on using Book Creator and Canva for projects on Climate as these tools have immense potential across a wide range of topics.
