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Hi Karen,
Thanks for sharing your research topic on trees. I think its a wonderful area to investigate with children of all ages.
Module 5
Research Question:
How is the melting of polar ice caps contributing to rising sea levels, and what local impacts could this have on coastal communities.To encourage pupils to participate actively in exploring climate change and melting ice caps, I would begin by making the issue relevant and tangible. First, I’d introduce real-world examples through videos, satellite imagery, and data showing the rapid changes in ice coverage in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Then, I’d connect those global changes to local consequences—rising sea levels, flooding risks, and impacts on wildlife or infrastructure.
Inquiry-based learning would be central to the project. I’d encourage students to become “climate detectives” by collecting data, analysing maps, conducting surveys in their communities, or even modelling sea level rise using interactive simulations. I’d foster group discussions and let students select specific areas of interest, such as biodiversity loss or human displacement.
By giving students agency, providing them with digital tools, and inviting them to propose solutions, I’d create an environment where they feel empowered, not overwhelmed, by the topic. A final presentation or action project could further boost engagement and responsibility.The ESA resource “Nose High Up in the Sky” is part of the European Space Agency’s Education program, designed to introduce younger students to the basics of Earth observation, satellites, and atmospheric science in a fun, engaging way. The Teacher Guide provides structured lesson plans and background information. The Pupil Activities include hands-on exercises and experiments using household materials, satellite images, and drawing/matching tasks to teach children about how satellites can detect things like air pollution and other invisible gases in the atmosphere.
I really liked Activity 1: What Can Satellites See?. Pupils examine satellite images and learn to identify visible vs. invisible phenomena. This activity is great, it opens a discussion about different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. I’d print large satellite images or use an interactive whiteboard for this.
Activity 2: Smelling the Air (Using the Nose!). Simulate satellite “sniffing” by smelling jars with different scents and guessing what’s inside. This is a Fun, sensory-based activity. It directly connects how we “detect” smells to how satellites detect gases.
These activities are very useful in the classroom as they are well-structured, hands-on and sensory tasks, which help engage pupils.Thanks for the information and suggestions Colin, sounds like a really interesting and useful resource. I think children would really engage with these activities.
The documentary Home is a powerful and thought-provoking film that beautifully showcases the richness and diversity of life on Earth, while also starkly highlighting the devastating impact humans have had on the planet’s ecosystems. I found it incredibly moving — every image captured the breathtaking beauty of our landscapes, and at the same time, reminded me of how much we are destroying through over-consumption and misuse of natural resources. The film sends a strong message: we are responsible for the current environmental crisis, and immediate action is needed. It emphasizes that our planet can no longer bear the strain of our unsustainable lifestyles. This message is crucial for everyone, and I believe Home delivers it effectively.
To introduce these important climate change facts to pupils, I would recommend showing Home to senior classes. The stunning visuals would captivate their attention and help them connect emotionally with the message. After watching, I would facilitate a class discussion to explore their thoughts and reactions, followed by interactive projects like creating posters or presentations on how we can protect the planet. This approach can help young learners understand the seriousness of the issue and empower them to become part of the solution.
When I watched Greta Thunberg’s Ted Talk the insight I took from her was her passion for action and protecting the planet. She is a role model for children and by exploring her activism with any senior class the children will be inspired by her actions. Actions speak louder than words and Greta Thunberg is an example of this.Hi Ann,
This was a great module full of great resources and exercises. I really enjoyed the carbon footprint calculator was a good exercise. A great task to do collectively in the classroom or individually and the children could compare and contrast their answers.
I agree, there is great opportunity to explore real life data collection with this activity. This can show students how scientists use data in real life situations.
Activity 3 is a well-structured and engaging lesson that introduces pupils to key concepts of climate change, including greenhouse gases, climate modelling, and future climate scenarios. It encourages data analysis, critical thinking, group work, and awareness of real-world environmental issues. The integration of digital tools adds a practical, interactive element that supports inquiry-based learning.
The use of videos helps visual learners and helps younger pupils grasp abstract concepts more easily. Group work and hands-on data exploration. Working with real climate model introduces students to tools used by actual scientists and supports the development of scientific literacy. Asking pupils to compare low- and high-emissions scenarios promotes understanding of cause and effect, and the importance of human actions on climate change.
I would integrate Activity 3 into a cross-curricular project week focused on “Our Changing Planet.” I would begin by assessing prior knowledge with a quiz or class discussion, followed by the Paxi video to introduce the concept.
Then, I would divide the class into four “news teams,” each with a different region or scenario using the C3S Edu Demo to study. We’d dedicate one session to exploring the tool, another to analysis and calculation, and a third to preparing and presenting climate news segments.
To conclude, students could develop posters about actions individuals or communities can take to reduce emissions and lessen climate impacts.Great suggestion!
Love the idea of setting up a school weather station. children learn best when engaged in hands learning. this is great way to involve children in data collection and stem activities.
1. Title of the lesson: Weather Detectives
2. Subject area/s: Science
3. Class: 1st /2nd class
• The concepts of weather and climate are often thought to be the same thing. To change this, it is essential to understand that when we speak about weather conditions we are referring to short periods of time, such as hours, days. when we talk about climate we are implying long periods, such as 30 years or more.
• Whole class discussion. Types of weather e.g. cloudy, windy, wet, showers, fog, mild, humid, sunning, snowing.
• Record the weather for the week. Use a thermometer is record the temperature on a daily basis. Record weather pattern.
• Record the child giving the weather forecast and play it to the other classes in the school.
• To record the footage, you would mount iPad on a tripod. Hang a green screen in the background.
• Use microphones to record the audio
• Use adobe spark to create the background
• The video can then be edited using imovie
• Also music can be added to the beginning and ending of the video by using bensound.com.
• videos, voice recordings, comments and links, this gives the children the opportunity to engage with the material at home. I also post photos for parents Vo they can view the work the children are doing in class.I am very interested in sustainability and found this module very interesting. In today’s ever changing world, the concept of sustainability is very important. As a teacher, highlighting sustainability practices with our pupils and making them more aware of the environment is imperative. By fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability, we can empower our students to become responsible global citizens and champions of a more sustainable future.
With my class in September I would like to research local sustainability initiatives, such as community gardens, renewable energy projects, or waste reduction programs. It is important to highlight how these initiatives are making a positive impact on the environment and society.
Exploring topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and resource conservation with my class will provide my pupils with a holistic understanding of environmental issues. As my school is located beside a beach will will organise field trips to the beach, where my pupils can engage in hand on activities about aquaculture and the marine environment and the effects of pollution on our coastline. These activities will reinforce the principles of sustainability.
This module was very interesting and the information and resources outlined in this module can be used to help inform my teaching of nutrition in the classroom. A lesson I always enjoy teacing with my class is the food pyramid. Seafood is a rich source of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Understanding the nutritional content of seafood is vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. This knowledge can be integrated into classroom to enhance students’ understanding of nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. By incorporating lessons on seafood nutrition teachers can empower students to make informed choices about their dietary habits and lead healthier lifestyles. It would also be a good opportunity to use the story of ‘The salmon of knowledge’ and discuss why the salmon holds knowledge, what nutrients it is rich in and what part of the body it helps.
Incorporating lessons on seafood nutrition in the classroom can be achieved through interactive activities such as sorting foods into food groups, project work, research, and discussions on the health benefits of different types of seafood. Teachers can utilize resources like recipe books, educational videos, and guest speakers from the seafood industry to provide students with a holistic understanding of seafood nutrition and its role in a healthy diet.
I really enjoyed examining The ARC online lessons and resources, they are interesting, entertaining and very practical and appeal to children at all levels. I found ‘The nutrition of seafood’ very interesting. The story of the salmon of knowledge was excellent and the link and comparison to the benefits of eating salmon for brain development was wonderful.
Incorporating STEM education into teaching practices is crucial for preparing students for future success in a technology-driven world. Integrating online resources such as The Arc online resources into lesson planning to provide real-world applications of STEM concepts. Having the pupils take part in project-based learning on aquaculture allows them to apply STEM knowledge to solve complex problems and develop critical thinking abilities and creativity.
– Using technology tools to simulate real-world scenarios and encourage analytical problem-solving skills.By integrating the concepts and skills from The Arc online lessons and resources into teaching practices can greatly enhance STEM education within the school setting. By aligning these practices with the STEM Education Policy Statement and integrating them into the SSE process on a school-wide basis, teachers can create a dynamic learning environment for its students.
I found this module very insightful and thought provoking. It was very interesting to learn how the geography and features of our coastline can be used to determine where an aquaculture farm is developed
Ireland’s aquaculture industry plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of coastal communities. The location of aquaculture farms along the Irish coastline not only fosters sustainable food production but also generates many socio-economic benefits.Aquaculture farms in Ireland offer employment opportunities and supporting livelihoods. The presence of these farms contributes to the economy by reducing reliance on traditional sectors such as agriculture and fishing.
Aquaculture farms in Ireland have the potential to stimulate tourism and promote in coastal areas. Visitors can visit these farms to learn about sustainable aquaculture practices, sample fresh seafood products, and engage with local communities. This tourism influx not only boosts the local economy but also promotes environmental awareness. The location of aquaculture farms in Ireland represents a unique opportunity to harness the potential of coastal resources for socio-economic development.
I thoroughly enjoyed module 1 and the introduction to aquaculture. My school is located beside the sea and we often take our classes on beach cleanup activities with the local tidy towns community and also enjoy participating in activities run by the Galway Alantaquaria.
Incorporating the topics of aquaculture and social license into school curriculum can significantly impact students by providing them with valuable knowledge and skills that are relevant to current environmental challenges and societal responsibilities.
By learning about aquaculture practices, students can gain insights into marine ecosystems. They can also explore the interconnections between science and technology, economics in addressing environmental issues.Understanding social license, on the other hand, enables students to appreciate the importance of community engagement, ethical practices in business and environmental decision-making.
Integrating aquaculture and social license education into school curricula can inspire students to become informed global citizens. Educating students about aquaculture and social license can enrich classroom learning experiences and empower them to become responsible members of society.
