Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Very intersting topic and some lovely ideas. I agree that children always love to learn about animals that live in cold environments and I think this transdisplinary link would be great.
Could be used right throughout the school or even as a whole school project. Thanks for the great idea.
Title: Investigating the Impact of Deforestation on Local Climate and Wildlife
Step 1: Identify a Climate Issue
Issue: Deforestation and its impact on local climate and wildlife.
How does cutting down trees in our local area affect the weather and the animals that live here?
Background Information
Trees help keep the air clean and provide homes for many animals.
Trees play a role in controlling the weather by providing shade and releasing water vapor.
Which animals are affected when trees are cut down, and how are they affected?
What can we do to help reduce the impact of deforestation?
Plan the Investigation
Materials….
Thermometers
Notebooks and pencils
Cameras or tablets for taking pictures
Access to a local area with trees and a deforested area
Visit a local forested area and measure the temperature.Take notes and pictures of the animals and plants you see.
Visit a nearby deforested area and measure the temperature.
Take notes and pictures of the animals and plants you see.
Compare the temperatures of the two areas.
Note any differences in the number and types of animals seen in each area..
Summarize the findings: Did the deforested area have higher temperatures? Were there fewer animals?
Discuss how deforestation affects the local climate and wildlife.
Create a poster or presentation to share findings with classmates and the community.
Discuss ways to protect local trees and wildlife, such as planting new trees or creating awareness campaigns.
Wow- thats so interesting. I really think the children would enjoy doing this and encouraging family members to also get involved.
1.Study the EO BROWSER ‘step by step’ guide AND the EO Browser Tutorial, give an ‘elevator pitch ‘ on the EO Browser to a colleague who never heard of it and discuss how you would use it in class (150 words)
The EO Browser is a powerful, user-friendly tool that allows users to visualize and analyze satellite data from around the globe. It provides lots of imagery from various satellites, the EO Browser enables you to monitor environmental changes, urban development, and natural disasters in real-time or over specific periods. The EO Browser provides high-resolution images and data layers to support your lesssons.
Using EO Browser in Class:
In a classroom setting, I would use the EO Browser to engage students with real-world applications of geography and environmental science. For instance, we could explore deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, track urban expansion in our city, or study the effects of natural disasters like wildfires or floods. By analysing satellite images, students can develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of human-environment interactions.I agree also and found the proverbs very interesting. It would definitely spark up some interesting conversation both inside and outside the classroom.
Totally agree Enda and some excellent points. I love the idea of a role-playing game where children act as different sources of energy (renewable vs. fossil fuels) and see how each choice affects a model Earth’s temperature. This would certaintly encourage some very importnant discussions. Thanks for the idea.
Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s documentary film “HOME” highlights critical issues related to the environment and climate change. The film emphasises how all living beings on Earth are interconnected and how human activities have disrupted these connections. It highlights the impact of deforestation, overfishing, and pollution on ecosystems. I would highlight this resourse oin the classroom by creating a simple food web with the children, showing how plants, herbivores, and carnivores depend on each other. Use pictures and string to connect different animals and plants, demonstrating the concept of interconnectedness.
“HOME” also highlights the issue of water scarcity, explaining how overuse and pollution of water sources lead to shortages. It shows the importance of conserving water and protecting our freshwater resources. I would introduce this to pupils by organising a water conservation game where children have to complete tasks (like brushing teeth or watering plants) using a limited amount of water. This can help them understand the value of water and the importance of using it wisely.I agree as all activities are accessible and engaging. I feel that they could be adapted to suit all levels as well as allowing scope for classess working together.
1: Review the paper Unravelling STEM: Beyond the acronym of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Liston 2018) and reflect on what STEM education looks like in your classroom.
The paper “Unravelling STEM: Beyond the Acronym of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics” by Maeve Liston (2018) explores the complexities and challenges of designing and understanding STEM education. She emphasizes the need for authentic, integrative STEM experiences. She provides practical examples of implementing STEM in the classroom, focusing on how to create lessons that are engaging, interdisciplinary, and reflective of real-world problems. In my classroom we enjoy using project-based learning and hands-on activities that require students to apply concepts from multiple STEM fields.
P2: Provide your feedback on named activities and how you could use them with your class.
I feel that these activities are very enjoyable and engaging. Implementing a weather station in the classroom and integrating STEM education offers numerous benefits. It provides students with current weather data, enhancing their understanding of meteorological concepts.It engages students in practical, hands-on activities such as recording and analyzing weather patterns. It also engages students by involving maths (data analysis), science (meteorology), technology (sensors and instruments), and engineering (constructing weather stations). This is something that I will be exploring further in September.