Lesson Plans
Lesson One – Introduction to Scent and environmental monitoring
Duration: Approx. 45 mins
Content:
The concepts of environmental monitoring and citizen science are introduced to the class. Reasons for caring for the environment are explained. The Scent project is described in simple terms. The Scent Challenge is presented, involving a task to be carried out in the local community. Students are divided into groups of 4-5 students.
Ahead of lesson 2, students start preparing for the challenge by choosing a location in the local community (to be approved by the teacher). They can also start thinking about what they expect to find in the chosen location and write down their thoughts in the notebook.
Material:
Students are given a handout with visuals to help them follow the presentation and a Scent notebook for taking notes and preparing for the challenge.
Learning Objectives:
After lesson 1, students will
- be able to identify factors that bring about changes in their own local environment;
- understand the key idea of the Scent project and become ambassadors of the Scent project;
- be familiarised with the concepts of environmental monitoring and citizen science;
- demonstrate a positive attitude towards and a genuine interest in exploring their own local environment.
Greek: Scent Lesson 1_Greek
Romanian: Scent Lesson 1_Romanian
Lesson Two – The Scent Challenge
Duration: Approx. 45 mins
Content:
The teacher recaps what was said about the Scent Challenge in lesson 1, i.e. briefly repeats the introduction to the challenge to refresh the students’ memory. Students then go out in their community together with their teacher to collect relevant information and draw what they see in their local environment. They go out in groups of 4-5 and explore a part of their school outdoor environment, e.g. part of the school yard, a local park, forest or garden.
The Challenge consists of a drawing task. Each group chooses a location they would like to draw (to be approved by the teacher). They go to the location and start by drawing the outline of the area on the A1 sheet they are given. The group members annotate everything they identify in that location (animals, plants, buildings, hills, obstacles, paved areas, litter, etc.). The aim is to draw a map as detailed as possible of the chosen microenvironment. Students can consult botany/ornithology books/encyclopaedias, their teacher or other available sources to help identify species and other elements.
Students will be asked to think about what they expect their chosen area to look like in 50 years, i.e. what will change. Where possible, students will be asked to measure and count the elements they identify. Each group puts together pieces that will create the bigger picture.
Material:
Students use the Scent notebooks handed out during lesson 1 to collect details of their environment when completing the challenge. Each group is given an A1 sheet of paper and pencils / pens in assorted colours. Botany/ornithology books/encyclopaedias or other available resources can be provided as support.
Learning Objectives:
After lesson 2, students will
- demonstrate their problem-solving skills and their ability to follow instructions and interpret information from various sources;
- have developed their awareness of their local environment and of how different parts function together in the ecosystem; developed a holistic view of the diversity of elements present in a microenvironment;
- demonstrate their ability to work in teams, support each other and divide tasks.
- by being able to make hands-on, real-world observations, begin to construct interest in and deeper understanding of their surroundings and changes taking place in them.
Greek: Scent Lesson 2_Greek
Romanian: Scent Lesson 2_Romanian
Lesson Three – Showcasing the Findings
Duration: Approx. 45 mins
Content:
At the start of the lesson, students are given 5 minutes to gather in their groups to prepare to present their findings to the class. All groups then take turns sharing and discussing their findings (30 minutes). They display the maps they have drawn on the black/whiteboard. They explain what they expect their chosen area to look like in 50 years, i.e. what will have changed.
If time allows, the groups compare similarities and differences in their findings.
At the end, all students are asked to fill in a feedback form, and Scent diplomas and badges are distributed to all (5 minutes).
Material:
Scent badges and diplomas are distributed to all participants. Feedback forms are circulated in the class. A1 sheets with drawn maps are hung on the wall/black-/whiteboard.
Learning Objectives:
After lesson 3, students will
- demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively (verbally and by using visuals) and explain how they have solved the Challenge;
- demonstrate their interpretative skills including the ability to analyse numerical data and think critically;
- be able to think abstractly and creatively about their surroundings and imagine change over time;
- develop a genuine interest in the environment and a sense of community responsibility by becoming aware of the importance of environmental monitoring.
Greek: Scent Lesson 3_Greek
Romanian: Scent Lesson 3_Romanian
Horizon 2020
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 688930.