Hosted by OSOS , contributed by KOSSA on 16 June 2018
How can we get the best out of schoolyards to explore science?
This project supports research in the kindergarten school yard, on the topic "I protect the green around me". Students are expected to develop a research project through the various stages of the scientific process: questioning, raising hypotheses, experimenting, collecting evidences, consulting books and websites, talking to scientists, reviewing evidences, getting results, discussing with colleagues and communicating their findings to others. The research project that students develop follows the IBSE (Inquiry‐Based Science Education) methodology. They will also work in small groups initially but in the end as a plenary they will complete the project looking for solutions and making proposals for intervention
Learning objectives
As far as the natural world is concerned, students should:
Know some species of flora
Learn about plant life cycle
Look for factors that affect plant growth
Ask yourself about the importance of green as part of a healthy ecosystem
Make the importance of urban green in maintaining the quality of life of people
In terms of familiarity with scientific procedures, students should:
Observe the environment around you
Learn how to use measuring instruments and
Work on collecting data and information
Search for information in different sources
Capture, group, and sort
Interpret the data of your observations
As far as your environmental awareness is concerned, students should:
Know what human activities are a threat to forests and plants
Locate your own everyday habits that can contribute negatively to the conservation of the green
Plan interventions
Engage in actions
Available partnership opportunities
Parents
Carriers: Municipality, Institute of Agricultural Research, Greek Society for Nature Conservation, Parents Association, Department of environmental education in regionQ Program "I send a message - I take action".
Scientific bodies:Institute of Agricultural Research, Greek Society for Nature Conservation,National Asteroscope: Program "THE CHILDREN IN RAIN",
Resources needed
Science in the Schoolyards is a project that can be developed with a very short budget. The majority of the work is performed by students and teacher within the school walls, exploring the scientific richness of the schoolyards. The visit to the scientist’s workplace (University, greenhouse, etc.) can be financed by the local government through a bus loan, for example. The major financial needs are related with some resources and equipment that not every school can access: microscopes, computers, magnifying glasses, scientific books, etc.
The connection between teachers and students and the research centres is of great importance to the project, therefore the project manager should be very careful when contacting scientists to work side‐by‐side with small children, as researchers should be able to deal with a large group of students and to explain scientific issues through a very simple language (adapted to students’ age). Moreover, the financial limitations related with materials and equipment could be overcome through the partnership with a research centre or University. Other partnerships should be developed, if relevant, namely with local stores, greenhouses, local associations and companies, etc.
Watch the video to learn more about the project.
Organization in charge of this accelerator
Ciência Viva
Largo José Mariano Gago
Parque das Nações
1990-223 Lisboa, Portugal
1st Kindergarten of Melissia
website:
e-mail: mail@1nip-meliss.att.sch.gr