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The documentary “Home” by Yann Arthus Bertrand is beautifully shot and it really brings home the effects that human activity have had on our planet. It showcases the natural beauty of Earth as well as the challenges we face to save our planet. It places an emphasis on the urgency of addressing issues such as the loss of animal life and climate change. I think it would be an excellent tool in education to show children the beauty of our planet so that they can form a deeper appreciation for it. It also encourages them that action needs to be taken. This video is long, so it would work better if it was shown in different parts. Children could note down important information during the video for discussion afterwards.
The Greta Thunberg TED Talk video also presented a powerful message. The children would able to relate to her and I think they would look up to her as someone who leads by good example.
Yes Triona, I totally agree that the topic of climate change and greenhouse gases can cause some children to worry. Being positive and teaching the children about what can be done to combat climate change is a good way to help to alleviate this anxiety. The David Attenborough video is fantastic.
This activity seems like a very engaging one and I think the children would really enjoy it. Climate change is something that interests children and generally they have a lot of knowledge about it. For the lesson, we would have a discussion and we would create a mind map to find out the class’ prior knowledge. I would show the children the Paxi video which is suitable for all ages to explain about greenhouse gases. I would introduce the TEAL tool and demonstrate how to use it to look at the changes in temperature, sunshine, wind speed, precipitation and carbon dioxide emissions over the years. I think this tool would be most suited to senior classes. Children could work in pairs on Chrome Books in order to investigate climate data. Children could give feedback on their findings to the class.
I also thought the David Attenborough video on Climate Change was simply explained and this is a resource that would be very useful in the class.
I agree that STEM promotes creative thinking and encourages problem solving, Michaela, which are such important skills for children to master. Incorporating digital tools would be a great and interesting way to analyse weather. There are so many wonderful resources available online.
I agree that STEM promotes creative thinking and encourages problem solving, Michaela, which are such important skills for children to master. Incorporating digital tools would be a great and interesting way to analyse weather. There are so many wonderful resources available online.
Maeve Liston made several interesting points in her paper “Unravelling STEM: Beyond the Acronym of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics”. Often teachers are confused about what STEM actually is, but I think it is clearly stated in this paper that engineering must be at the centre of the activity to make it a STEM activity. Children love working on STEM activities and there are several simple activities that can be used to introduce them to STEM. It is a great way to encourage communication and collaboration between children working together.
The ESA resources provided in this module are organised well and they are very suitable for primary school children. The children will enjoy the hands-on activities in the “Nose up high in the Sky” and the “Weather vs Climate packs.” I have previously made some of the weather equipment mentioned with my class and they really enjoyed monitoring the weather over a few weeks. A weather station is a great idea. There is an open space outside my classroom and it would be ideal for such an activity.
