Polar.lu educational projects presented by Jill Diederich at ASSW 2024 in Edinburgh
The Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2024 in Edinburgh was a vibrant hub for discussions on polar research and education. Polar.lu's Jill Diederich captivated attendees by unveiling a series of educational projects developed by polar.lu. The annual ASSW connects scientists, educators, and policymakers, focusing on important issues in polar research. Diederich’s presentation, part of the Polar Educators International session, highlighted innovative approaches that make polar science accessible and engaging for learners of all ages.
Polar Lights
Diederich kicked off with the workshop on Polar Lights developed for Luxembourg's Science Festival 2023, an immersive initiative that brings the magic of the northern lights to life. Participants engage in workshops that feature hands-on experiments, visual displays, and live demos. For instance, at last year's festival, attendees reported a greater understanding of the science behind auroras after participating. Not only do participants appreciate the beauty of these natural wonders, but they also learn about their connection to atmospheric science and climate issues.
Dustbuster
Next, Diederich introduced Dustbuster, an interactive workshop series designed, by Dr Charles Wohl, to explore airborne particles in polar regions. Participants can simulate the effects of dust on the Arctic environment by collecting and analyzing dust samples. In a pilot program, students demonstrated improved analytical skills after working with this project. Dustbuster illustrates the interplay of polar marine ecosystems, cloud formation and human impact, encouraging a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. This project was funded by an FNR PSP-Classic.
Polar Night and Day
Another intriguing project was Polar Night and Day, which delves into the unique experiences of polar daylight and darkness. This initiative utilizes a camera obscura to document the movement of the sun over six months as an unique approach to tracking the sun’s arc across the sky, as well as traditional storytelling to show how seasonal light variations affect wildlife and human life. This project was initially co-developped with colleagues from APECS-Benelux.
Frozen Ground Cartoons
Finally, Frozen Ground Cartoons & Workshops, presents complex scientific concepts about permafrost in a fun and engaging way. Through animated cartoons, combined with interactive workshops, this project effectively simplifies topics like thawing permafrost and its global warming implications. Audience feedback indicated that participants found the cartoons helpful for grasping tough concepts, demonstrating the power of creativity in education. This project was co-funded by an FNR PSP-Classic and SCRIPT.
Engagement and Inspiration in Education
Diederich's presentation at ASSW 2024 showcased the significant impact polar.lu's projects can have. Each initiative not only educates but also inspires curiosity about polar science. By combining interactive elements, visual storytelling, and practical experiences, these projects provide excellent resources for educators. They enrich curricula and help engage students in ways that resonate with real-world issues.
In summary, Jill Diederich's presentation highlighted polar.lu's innovative commitment to polar education at ASSW 2024. These engaging projects play a vital role in fostering awareness about the significant challenges facing our planet. As we navigate pressing global issues, the educational tools showcased promise to cultivate a new generation of informed scientists and environmental stewards.
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