The Gisas
Working Group:Science through digital learningCountry:Belgium, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, SwedenLanguages:Finnish, French, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Slovene, SwedishAge of students (target group/s):13-14, 15-18Links, resources:http://tinyurl.com/mm935hc
Introduction of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to the teaching of geography and environmental sciences in European schools. The partners developed an integrated Web-based learning environment to collect, visualise, manage and share local GIS data on water and river basins. The materials developed were tested and validated in schools in seven European countries (Belgium, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, Sweden,). The project was funded by the European Commission Minerva action. The GISAS project used the ArcView 8.3. desktop GIS software of the ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) company.Strong points and opportunities:• The use of ICT and a virtual learning environment allowed the schools to experiment, test and produce new functional, interdisciplinary and pedagogically appropriate teaching methods.
• The project supported the integration of modern information and communication technology (ICT) into secondary education, not only in geography but in other subjects as well.
• The students could learn about the water quality of a certain area and, at the same time, see the landscape image of that area. Such approach enhanced the adoption of a holistic approach to environmental education and supports visual learning experiences.Limitations:Difficulty for being integrated in the school curriculum.
Need for GIS training for teachers.Added value with regards to the 3 topics of the MASS project:Use of typical digital tools (PCs and Internet web sites) but for geosciences, the motivation of students for environmental themes and science and the familiarisation with up-to-date technologies that the digital era offers.Any prerequisites needed:Necessary hardware, software, data and other equipment, such as GPS receivers and digital cameras.




MASS project intends to identify, analyze, evaluate and disseminate practical tools and methods in teaching science which will effectively lead to arise students' motivation and acquire higher level of basic skills in science. We will explore what happens in science lessons at schools and increase the knowledge of good practice in teaching science in three research areas: Science for Digital Learners, Early Inquiry and Low achievers in Science (See more: Main topics).

 

Main project activities include:

1. Identification of the national examples of good practices
The initial phase of the project is to analyze the strengths, weaknesses and potential in the particular area of science education method in each partner country. It will include identification of good practices on raising students motivation for science on the national level. Examples identified will be collected in the online database.

See more: Good practices repository

 

2. Development of pilot teaching materials and testing phase
Findings from the research phase of the project will form the ground for development of the pilot version of educational materials in each Working Group.

Piloting stage of the project, with the involvement of target group, will raise the quality and exploitability of the products.

 

3. Development of the final version of teaching materials
Final version of educational products will be developed after summing up the piloting phase. They will be available in each partner language. The final project results will bring a change at the classroom level. Teachers will be aware of the key factor for motivation of their students to learn science. They will use a wide range of methods effectively and appropriately to the learning needs and preferences of their students. More teachers will be confident and successful in use such of methods. They will make teaching science more relevant and accessible to students.

Final products will be widely presented and disseminated during the Open Conference III in the middle of 2016.

To help teachers to become empowered, skillful and self-confident, we work on:

for Digital Learners, Early Inquiry and Low Achievers in Science.

 

If you want to help us to improve these materials by taking part in piloting, please contact leader of each Working Group:

   Leonie de Vries (Digital Learners), e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Lenka Pachmanova (Early Inquiry), e mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Daiga Kalnina (Low Achievers), e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

or the MASS project partner in your country:

   Czech Republic, TEREZA Educational Center 

   Lenka Pachmanova e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Cyprus, Cyprus Center for Environmental Research and Education (CY.C.E.R.E.)

   Chrisis Kleovoulou, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Estonia, Estonian Physical Society

   Kaido Reivelt, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Germany, University of Cologne Geographical Institute

   Astrid Hensel, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Greece, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

   Thalia Mavrakou, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Latvia, Children's Environmental School

   Inese Liepina, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Netherlands, SME Advies

   Bregje van den Brand, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   Poland, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw Centre

   Elżbieta Wołoszyńska-Wiśniewska, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.