In the museum set up in Istituto Comprensivo Camerano Giovanni Paolo II, a particular importance has been given to the graphic designs made also with the use of recycled materials and the exposure of photos related to significant experiences carried out by the classes as part of the environment project, since ours is a seaside town. A section was dedicated to robots created with recycled plastics and assembled in some robotics lessons, made truly functional through the application of small circuits and batteries. One section was created with an interdisciplinary approach, as readings on the theme of ocean protection were proposed, followed by story production and creative reworking of texts. Another area of the room was dedicated to experiments, especially those related to acidification and watching the effects of microplastics through video. These have been proposed with the use of QR code linked to experiments carried out with the microscope during an in-depth lesson with the marine biologist. This part will definitely be implemented with other experiments, some of which will be carried out live by the students. A final section welcomed online games to raise awareness of the ocean and promote knowledge of scientific terms. To address the theme of sustainable fishing, a game was also proposed, which visitors had fun trying. However, all aspects of the project have been addressed: creative recycling, sustainable fishing, experiments on acidification, the use of computer language to engage pupils, and biodiversity.
CHALLENGES
The main difficulties related to the short time between explaining the project to pupils and colleagues and to the actual preparation of the papers. This problem has been partly overcome, considering that in our curriculum there are still teaching units related to biology, civic education and, in general, environmental issues.
Works already carried out and enriched with new, more specific details have also been used. For those who want to create an ocean museum in the future, it is advisable to include all activities in the curriculum prepared at the beginning of the school year.
Another difficulty encountered is the implementation of experiments, as the school did not have a sufficiently well-equipped scientific laboratory and children are not familiar with using the specific material. Regarding the experiments, some of the ones proposed are not possible as live exhibits in a museum as they require waiting times to see the results or are not replicable.
Works already carried out and enriched with new, more specific details have also been used. For those who want to create an ocean museum in the future, it is advisable to include all activities in the curriculum prepared at the beginning of the school year.
Another difficulty encountered is the implementation of experiments, as the school did not have a sufficiently well-equipped scientific laboratory and children are not familiar with using the specific material. Regarding the experiments, some of the ones proposed are not possible as live exhibits in a museum as they require waiting times to see the results or are not replicable.
IMPACT & FEEDBACK
The impact on the pupils was certainly positive as the learning was driven by curiosity and was structured taking into account the need for the students to learn by doing and not only at the theoretical level. The group work and the discussions in which teachers have played the role of mediators and clarifiers have been useful, encouraging the learning process.
Some classes of the institute during the previous school year decided to dedicate the final show to the theme of safeguarding the seas. After being prepared during the year and having deepened the themes they opened to the community acting, in June, in the Municipal Theatre a theatrical performance. This representation involved the whole community and also the Mayor.
The museum was also visited by pupils of the secondary school of first degree, who had the opportunity to deepen the topics presented in the museum during the hours of science.
The experience was "disseminated within a qualifying event for our institute, the book exhibition, in the session dedicated to the Museum of the sea. All interventions focused on ocean conservation. Other opportunities to make the project known include specific lessons in marine biology with experienced staff in the classroom, but also on the beach with special occasions such as the release of turtles cured and saved after suffering damage due to the pollution of the sea, which occur periodically in our areas and to which students have the opportunity to attend.
Some classes of the institute during the previous school year decided to dedicate the final show to the theme of safeguarding the seas. After being prepared during the year and having deepened the themes they opened to the community acting, in June, in the Municipal Theatre a theatrical performance. This representation involved the whole community and also the Mayor.
The museum was also visited by pupils of the secondary school of first degree, who had the opportunity to deepen the topics presented in the museum during the hours of science.
The experience was "disseminated within a qualifying event for our institute, the book exhibition, in the session dedicated to the Museum of the sea. All interventions focused on ocean conservation. Other opportunities to make the project known include specific lessons in marine biology with experienced staff in the classroom, but also on the beach with special occasions such as the release of turtles cured and saved after suffering damage due to the pollution of the sea, which occur periodically in our areas and to which students have the opportunity to attend.
MULTIMEDIA
|
Museum overview
|
Robots built with recycled plastics and made to work with circuits and batteries.
