Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
This is a great idea Marie. Like Hannah, researching food products and miles is something I hadn’t considered before but I will make make use of it with my class this year.
Research Question- How does deforestation contribute to changes in local weather patterns?
The planner was really helpful in coming up with a suitable research question.
To help my 3rd class pupils engage with the question, I would start with a fun and interactive approach.
I would begin by showing them pictures or a short video of a forest and then the same area after trees have been removed. I would ask them to think about how the change might affect the local environment. I would use simple language to explain that trees help to keep the air clean and cool. I would explain how when trees are cut down, it can make the weather warmer and less predictable.
I would also get them involved with a hands-on activity, like creating a “mini forest” using plants or drawings. I could have them compare the weather in areas with lots of trees versus areas with fewer trees. I would encourage them to share their observations and thoughts, helping them connect the dots between deforestation and local weather changes in an engaging way.
I downloaded the Satellite Tracker application on my phone and I used this and the ISS tracker online to research satellites in my area.
These are five of the satellites which have passed Ireland recently:
1. International Space Station- The ISS is a space station or a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS conducts scientific research in various fields, including biology, physics and astronomy. It is a joint project involving space agencies like NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA and CSA.
2. NOAA-20- NOAA-20 is an American weather satellite operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It collects data for weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and climate research. The satellite monitors atmospheric temperature, moisture, sea surface temperatures, and ocean color.
3. Starlink Satellites- Part of SpaceX’s mega-constellation, these satellites provide high-speed broadband internet across the globe, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Hundreds of Starlink satellites pass over regions like Ireland regularly, contributing to global internet coverage.
4. Sentinel-2A-Part of the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program, Sentinel-2A monitors Earth’s land surface. It captures high-resolution images used for agricultural planning, forest management, disaster monitoring, and land use studies.
5. Terra- Terra is a NASA Earth observation satellite that collects data about Earth’s climate and environment. It supports various scientific research by monitoring land and ocean temperatures, vegetation, clouds, and ice cover, helping understand the impact of natural and human-induced changes on our planet.
I agree that Greta Thunberg’s TED talk would be fantastic in helping the children to hear and relate to a child speaking about climate change. She is a massive role model for their generation and she will inspire many children to try and make a change.
Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a powerful and visually captivating documentary that vividly illustrates the impact of human activities on the environment. The film’s sweeping aerial shots offer a unique perspective on the planet’s beauty and fragility, making it an excellent tool for introducing students to the urgency of climate change.
To introduce these climate change facts to my pupils, I would first show select clips from Home that highlight key environmental issues such as deforestation, melting ice caps, and the effects of pollution. These visually striking scenes can serve as a powerful entry point for young learners, helping them to grasp the severity of these issues.
After watching the clips, I would facilitate a class discussion, encouraging students to share their thoughts and feelings about what they’ve seen. This would be followed by a more structured lesson on the causes and consequences of climate change, linking the film’s visuals to real-world data and facts.
To deepen their understanding, students could work on projects where they research local environmental issues or create their own mini-documentaries, drawing inspiration from Home. This approach would not only inform them about climate change but also empower them to think critically and creatively about solutions.
I feel like Activity 3 is well-structured and offers a comprehensive introduction to the greenhouse effect and climate change, making it suitable for my 3rd class students. Starting with an informative video is a great way to engage students and provide a visual foundation for understanding complex concepts like greenhouse gases. Discussing the difference between natural and human-made greenhouse effects is essential to help students grasp the impact of human activities on climate.
Dividing the class into groups to work on different emission scenarios allows for collaborative learning and critical thinking. Using the online tool for predicting future temperatures introduces students to data analysis, a key STEM skill. It also helps them to realise how influential climate change is, furthering their understanding.
If somebody needed to make the activity more age-appropriate, they could simplify some of the terms and use visual aids or models to explain abstract concepts. Additionally, incorporating a creative component, such as drawing or crafting, could help younger students to express their ideas on how to lessen climate impacts, making the lesson more engaging and accessible.
The activities in the ESA resources are great for engaging students in both hands-on and theoretical learning. Building a small weather station and taking measurements would help students to understand how scientists rely on accurate tools. The weather vs. climate activity clearly explains the differences between these concepts which will help to avoid confusion for the pupils. In class, these activities could improve observation skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of environmental issues.
Setting up a weather station at school would allow students to collect real data regularly, helping them see the difference between weather (short-term) and climate (long-term patterns). This project would also develop important STEM skills like data analysis and problem-solving.
To lead the school in a project like this, I would encourage students to work together, perhaps by creating a school weather blog to share their findings. We could also collaborate with other schools or local experts to deepen the learning experience.
