Modifying SLH actions: presenting a fresh perspective
In an innovative and interactive learning project, students from four schools have applied their knowledge of marine food webs to their school grounds, bridging the gap between ocean ecosystems and local environments. The initiative, led by six teachers including two specialist science teachers, involved hands-on activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of ecological relationships.
At the heart of the project was a marine food web activity introduced by Year 7 and 8 teacher, Cath. Using images from a marine food web activity, students created their own food webs based on their knowledge, connecting the concepts learned to their immediate surroundings. The students identified producers, consumers, and decomposers within the school grounds, with the hardest concept for them being the role of decomposers, which they supplemented with additional research online.
Cath noted that the activity broadened students' thinking, helping them to consider the interconnectedness of organisms beyond stand-alone entities. The project encouraged students to explore the school grounds, discovering organisms living in the grass and trees, and enjoy the hands-on, experiential learning experience.
The benefits of this cross-context learning are manifold. Students have developed a heightened environmental awareness and stewardship, becoming more committed to sustainability as they see the relevance of ocean ecology concepts in their immediate surroundings. The project has also fostered critical thinking and practical skills, as students reflect on and experiment with ecological knowledge in real settings, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and scientific inquiry skills.
Moreover, the project has helped students appreciate the interconnectedness of ecosystems, fostering a broader ecological literacy and advocacy for conservation. By understanding the effects of removing or reducing a species in the food web through scenarios, students gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of ecosystems.
The school ecosystem food web was constructed using examples found on the school grounds, providing a tangible understanding of ecological relationships. The ability to transfer learned knowledge to new contexts is crucial in education, as noted by educational researchers Darling-Hammond & Austin (2003), and this project underscores the importance of such an approach.
Data for the project was collected through various methods including videotapes, photographs, audiotapes, observations, field notes, interviews, student work, and teaching materials. The project did not specifically reference further research briefs looking at how teachers have adapted Science Learning Hub resources.
In conclusion, the application of marine food web concepts to school grounds promotes a deeper, tangible understanding of ecological relationships, inspiring students to engage in local conservation efforts while grasping global environmental issues. This innovative approach to learning not only enhances students' understanding of ecology but also equips them with the skills necessary to address local environmental challenges, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
- The marine food web activity, introduced by Cath during the learning project, allowed students to apply their knowledge of science in the context of education-and-self-development, as they created their own food webs based on their understanding of local environments and organisms.
- By bridging the gap between marine ecosystems and their school grounds, the students developed a deeper learning experience, understanding the interconnectedness of organisms in various ecosystems, thus fostering a broader ecological literacy and advocacy for conservation.
