Ecological Detectives: Uncovering River Secrets with an Underwater Drone
As part of an inter-school project, about 30 students from two primary schools, one from the urban area of Velika Gorica - Eugen Kvaternik Primary school, and the other from the rural surroundings of Pokupsko - Primary school Pokupsko, joined forces in a research endeavor on the Kupa River, focusing on ecology and sustainable development. The project was realized with the support and professional guidance of the "Kupa - River of Life" association and included the innovative use of an underwater drone equipped with sensors such as a depth gauge, temperature sensor, and camera, allowing for detailed study and recording of the river's underwater world.
Project goal
Integration of technology into environmental education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and interdisciplinary cooperation in developing a comprehensive understanding and care for the natural environment.
The students were divided into five groups, each responsible for a specific segment of research: navigating nature using a micro:bit compass, managing the underwater drone to explore the river's fauna and flora, collecting and analyzing waste found in the river's surroundings, participating in an educational lecture about the ecological importance of the Kupa River, and identifying local plant life using an artificial intelligence application for recognizing plant species. The final activity of the project included a knowledge quiz, designed to encourage teamwork and allow students to share what they learned.
Learning Outcomes:
Ecological Awareness and Sustainable Development
Better understanding of the ecological importance of the river
Awareness of the impact of waste and climate change
STEM Knowledge and Skills
Practical knowledge in the field of technology and science
Development of digital literacy
Development of Soft Skills
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Digital literacy
Positive Attitudes Towards Learning
Encouraging learning through practical experience
Active role of students in environmental conservation
The project enabled students to develop a deep understanding of the ecological importance of the Kupa River, become aware of waste issues, and gain valuable practical knowledge in STEM fields using the latest technological advancements. Through this multidisciplinary approach, students developed critical thinking skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy, emphasizing how technology can be a powerful tool in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. This project highlighted the significance of inter-school collaboration and provided a platform for practical learning, thus fostering a positive attitude towards experiential learning and an active role of students in nature conservation.
Work Program for a Two-Hour Outdoor Workshop – Field Class, March 8, 2024.
Theme: Exploring the Kupa River through STEM and Ecology
Participants: Students from Eugen Kvaternik Primary School in Velika Gorica and Pokupsko Primary School
Partners: "Kupa - River of Life" Association
Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Location: Pokupsko, Kupa River bank
Number of students: 30
Number of groups: 6
Group rotation: Each group spends 15 minutes at each workstation.
Teachers: Marina Mužek (Eugen Kvaternik Primary School, primary school teacher, 3rd grade), Dalia Kager (Eugen Kvaternik Primary School, ICT teacher), Jasminka Podlejan (Pokupsko Primary School, primary school teacher, 2nd grade), Željka Čaić (Pokupsko Primary School, primary school teacher, 3rd grade), Zorica Šestak (president of "Kupa – River of Life" Association)
Workstations and Activities
Orientation in nature with a micro:bit compass - Skill of orientation using technology, understanding geomagnetism
Exploring the Kupa River with an underwater drone - Monitoring water temperature, depth, and recording the underwater world, use of sensors and technology in nature exploration
Waste search and ecological awareness - Identification and quantification of waste, developing awareness of ecological issues
Lecture by the "Kupa - River of Life" Association - Education about the biodiversity of the Kupa River and the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems
Discovering tree and plant species with Google Lens - Use of artificial intelligence in identifying plant species, familiarization with local flora
Boat ride on the Kupa River - Observing the river ecosystem up close, learning about the importance of nature conservation
Final Activity: Pub knowledge quiz - Team-based assessment of acquired knowledge, duration: 20 minutes
Conclusions
Collaboration between schools and local communities – raising awareness of the importance of environmental conservation
Purposeful use of technology for sustainability – studying the living world in and around the river
Multidisciplinary approach – encouraging the development of a wide range of skills
Interactive and experiential learning - active participation in research activities
Learning materials
Zahvalnica - pub kviz.pdfDiploma pub kviz.pdfAnketni upitnik Ekološki detektivi_Otkrivanje riječnih tajni s pomoću podvodnog drona .docxAnketni upitnik nakon _Ekološki detektivi_Otkrivanje riječnih tajni s pomoću podvodnog drona.docxPUB Kviz – Ekološki detektivi .docx