Keywords
biodiversity, climate change, scenarios, software, education
Start Date
1-7-2012 12:00 AM
Abstract
Climate change and dramatic loss of biodiversity are essential subjects for EU research. However, little of current knowledge is reaching the young generation. In order to implement biodiversity research into the reality of school education we brought members of the scientific and educational communities together. Educational software has been developed which combines desk (or rather lap-)top work with field experiences by combining virtual excursions with real ones.The software PRONAS shows how scientists handle questions about the impact of climate change on species’ habitats. It makes core results of research projects available for students from 12 to 19 and is freely accessible on www.pronas.ufz.de.Three basic scenarios characterize ”possible future worlds“- where the scenario GREEN is the optimal scenario describing sustainable development strategies for Europe. The pessimistic scenario RED stands for a growth applied strategy – a future world which is dominated by the market. The software has five parallel entries: (1) The storyline with “Tom and Tina”, (2) the “Science” entry with detailed information, (3) four virtual excursions, (4) the “Species gallery” with more than 30 plant and animal species, and (5) Interactive projects. A special book for teachers - which was written in close cooperation with teachers - shows how to implement PRONAS in the in– and out-of-classroom learning.
Implementing biodiversity risks in the classroom - the educational software PRONAS
Climate change and dramatic loss of biodiversity are essential subjects for EU research. However, little of current knowledge is reaching the young generation. In order to implement biodiversity research into the reality of school education we brought members of the scientific and educational communities together. Educational software has been developed which combines desk (or rather lap-)top work with field experiences by combining virtual excursions with real ones.The software PRONAS shows how scientists handle questions about the impact of climate change on species’ habitats. It makes core results of research projects available for students from 12 to 19 and is freely accessible on www.pronas.ufz.de.Three basic scenarios characterize ”possible future worlds“- where the scenario GREEN is the optimal scenario describing sustainable development strategies for Europe. The pessimistic scenario RED stands for a growth applied strategy – a future world which is dominated by the market. The software has five parallel entries: (1) The storyline with “Tom and Tina”, (2) the “Science” entry with detailed information, (3) four virtual excursions, (4) the “Species gallery” with more than 30 plant and animal species, and (5) Interactive projects. A special book for teachers - which was written in close cooperation with teachers - shows how to implement PRONAS in the in– and out-of-classroom learning.
