Implementation of ”Τα δέντρα, η ζωή μας” (SoI-GR-558)

Author: Kyriaki Cheli

Introduction

“Trees; their lives, our life”

This SoI is about sustainability and especially the importance of forests for our planet.  The necessity of protecting forests and natural environment, the ways that can be achieved, and the importance of tree planting. The scenario was implemented in the Skills’ Labs course and in the axis of Natural Heritage, by 20 students of the fourth grade of primary school (9-10 years old). The LS provided us with information, links, activities and… inspiration!

The plan was a) to learn about trees and forests, their necessity for our lives and have the opportunity to contribute to forest protection by planting trees and thus, enriching the forest environment of a nearby mountain area.
b) to create a 3D model of a forest area as a final product and as an evaluation of the project. The implementation was developed in about 8 teaching hours (45 minutes each) and in 4 stages, including in and outdoor activities, emphasizing to the experiential way of learning, critical thinking and creativity. 

The narrative (Stages of implementation)

1st stage (45’) “Forests”
a) We discussed what the students know about trees and forests, if they have ever visited a
forest area, what made an impression and how they felt

b) We watched a video about the benefits of forests and discussed it.

c) We used the links of the LS and did some more research on Europeana platform for pictures
and/or paintings of forest areas ( see links bellow), discussed them and got inspiration
to make drawings of a forest area. As a canva for their drawings, students were asked to use a chalk painting which they noticed while searching on Europeana Platform and which was in Public Domain. So, we had the opportunity to talk about Creative Commons, too.
Pictures of forests
Drawings of forests
National parks of Europe

(Photos by Kyriaki Cheli )
2nd stage (45’) “Protecting forests”
a) We watched a video about what is dangerous for forest environment (plants and animals) and
discussed it
b) We talked about ways to protect forest trees and animals (brainstorming) and created a word cloud of the ideas (in groups) with the title “protecting the forest life”.

c) We learned how to plant a tree (video) as a preparation for the following experimental activity.

 3rd stage (150’) “ A visit to a forest park, fire safety volunteers and tree planting”

a) We organized and carried out a visit to a nearby forest area where enjoyed walking among trees,
explored nature and observed different kinds of trees, plants, even insects and small animals.

b) There, we met the fire safety volunteers of Argiroupolis- Hellinikou who protect the natural environment of Hymettos mountain, we discussed volunteering and learned about the duties and the equipment of a fire safety volunteer, in an experiential way.

c) With the volunteers’ support, we also planted trees, to a certain area.

d) Had a pick-nick and relaxed, listening to the sounds of nature and collected natural material
for the next stage of the project.

(Photos by Kyriaki Cheli )
4th stage (120’) “Hands on”
We created, step by step, a 3D model of a forest area, of paper and other natural materials showed
everything we have learned and experienced during the previous stages and even more ideas (trees, plants, animals, a mountain, a waterfall, paths, even a refuge of wild animals, a burnt mountain
side, a firefighter with a firetruck, signs for the protection of the environment and people
walking and caring for nature).
The students worked in groups with a specific task and at the end, each group talked to the
whole class about it. It was a demanding activity but we did it…our way!

(Photos by Kyriaki Cheli)

The scenario was implemented in the Skills’ Labs course but there was also a connection with other courses like Physical Education and Arts. The students worked in small groups of 3-4.
There is a student with special needs, in the class, so we collaborated with the special needs teacher
in order to participate adequately. We also collaborated with the head teacher of the class,
especially for the outdoor activities and we had the support of the headmaster of the school.
We also cooperated with the Volunteer Fire Safety Corps of Argiroupolis- Hellinikou.

Outcomes (for you as an educator and for the students)
For the students
a) They enriched their knowledge about nature, trees and forests, their importance and ways
to protect them

b) They developed environmental awareness

c) They had the experience of the duty of a volunteer and especially of a fire safety one.

d) They had the experience of searching on Europeana Platform

e) They improved their digital skills

f) Learned about Creative Commons

g) They increased their creativity

h) They developed their communication and collaboration skills

For the teacher
a) Enriched knowledge searching on Europeana Platform

b) Came across new teaching ideas

c) Enjoyed the experience of searching and Teaching with Europeana

d) Had the opportunity to collaborate with colleague teachers and a group of volunteers

e) Developed organizational and teaching skills

Did you find this story of implementation interesting? Why don’t you read about the related learning scenario?

Link to the learning scenario implemented: Τα δέντρα, η ζωή μας

Do you want to discover more stories of implementation? Click here.

PDM 1.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Rijksmuseum.