The outcomes of the project:
- Regular, appropriate use of datalogging linked to other ICT applications (such as Google Earth/Google Maps) across Key Stage 2 within participating schools
- Case studies of environmental monitoring investigations in Y5 from all participating schools, demonstrating how pupils have planned the capture of appropriate data to answer a research question, how they have identified and presented those data to the school, wider community and external agencies (e.g. Eco-schools)
- Enhanced understanding amongst Y5 pupils and teachers of the principles behind GPS and its potential applications in a range of contexts
- Enhanced scientific enquiry skills in all participating pupils, particularly in the area of data interpretation and presentation.
- Improved attitudes towards science in participating pupils and appreciation of its relevance to their lives and potential benefit to the environment
Examples of data collected and shared by schools involved in the project.
Schools use the ‘Participate’ web site to collect and share their experience of the project together with the ability for pupils to generate data visualizations in Google Earth and Google Maps, prepare online posters and presentations and upload short videos. Examples of the web interface, equipment and work done by schools to date is shown.