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My research question is “How have our farming methods changed and what impact is it having on our local environment”
As my school is based in a rural area, I thought it would be interesting and engaging for the whole school to investigate. Children could begin by researching how their grandparents / parents farmed long ago. They could investigate the introduction of the internal combustion engine, tractors and subsequent air pollution using data from the EO browser. Research could be carried out into the different types of animals being kept, fertilizers and how this all affects water quality. Water testing could be done for nitrates etc. This would be a wide and varied research piece allowing all classes to become involved and would lead to some critical thinking into how we do things currently. This inquiry-based learning and investigation would be hugely beneficial to all.
The EO browser is a user friendly and useful web application that allows the user to access data provided from the many satellites in Earth’s orbit. With this tool, pupils can sort, filter and download data and satellite images which can be used offline to supplement a science or STEM lesson. There is a huge amount of data available both historical and current. If discussing climate change, doing a project on a particular country or even the weather, this tool facilitates and promotes critical thinking, inquiry-based learning and at no cost to the school. I think it brings information from videos, textbooks and teacher discussions to life and provides tangible evidence to points being made. Overall the interactivity lends itself to creativity and hand-on learning, which means fun to the children. I cannot recommend it enough for your class and practise.
For Satellite observation, I used the website in-the-sky.org. It was amazing to see how many satellites are in the Earth’s orbit at any one time. I can understand, how this will pose a problem if the end-of-life process for satellites is not adhered to. I recall hearing about space junk and the recent situation where astronauts had to wait in the safety module of the ISS due to a satellite break-up. The satellites I observed over Ireland were mainly GPS and Musk’s STARLINK satellites. I found it interesting how Starlink in particular has already made an impact in wars on the continent. We must be aware that there are alternative uses for satellites such as in conflict situations. TIANZHOU-7 an unmanned cargo spacecraft was another craft that passed over on it’s way to resupply the Chinese Space Station.
<p style=”text-align: left;”>The film Home evokes many feelings in me. Wonder, awe, curiosity and a feeling of how deeply connected us humans and this planet that we call home are. It is easy for us to carry on our lives without considering how our way of living is affecting others. Greta makes such valid points, how can we carry on as if existential problems are not our concern. In order to present these brilliant pieces of video to children, I think it is crucial that we do not cause worry and despair. That we create a positive approach and relate it to a problem that can and should be tackled. Overall great pieces of cinematography and worthy of being shared.</p>
I think that activity 3 is a very useful and engaging activity. The children would be working in groups for this activity. I would begin the lesson by using the Paxi video as a stimulus. At the end of the video, I would ascertain the children’s understanding of what they have seen through a quick question and answer session. Following this, I would put forward an open question related to what might happen in the future. Then I would introduce the children to the TEAL tool using the interactive whiteboard. Through guidance from class teacher, I would encourage the children to manipulate the various variables in the program, keeping in mind the open question from earlier. In their groups or as pairs, children will use their ipads/chromebooks to manipulate and investigate the TEAL tool. Hands-on learning, group work and co-operative work are all important elements of STEM learning. I believe this activity would enable every child regardless of ability to engage and learn.
Further to this and having reviewed the article from Dr Liston, it is evident that critical thinking, active learning and a hands on approach is necessary for children to progress in the area of STEM. As mentioned above, the resources / ideas align well with this type of learning & teaching strategy
I found the resources Weather V Climate to be very useful in sparking conversations around climate change and the climate problem. I think that there are learnings not just for students but us adults too. Misinformation and confusion regarding climate change can only be debunked with factual and evidence-based information such as provided by ESA. In my personal practice, I can foresee opportunities to create opportunities for students of all abilities. The resource Nose-Up-High was also quite good. I think the opportunity to create our school weather station is a great idea to get engagement across the school. This will enable the children to take responsibility for creating and maintaining their station and I can envisage an opportunity to connect with schools across the country to collate and compare data.
For the reluctant learner, an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities daily such as taking readings of rainfall, wind, and temperature. Children across the school levels can be enabled to learn about weather and climate appropriate to their age levels. I look forward to using some of the ideas and resources in the coming year.