THE SIXTH ECO-PATROL WORKSHOP WAS HELD: “IS THE SEA ACID?”.
On May 3, 2024, the sixth workshop within the project “Kornati – it is important to know about the sea 8” of Argonaut’s Eco-Patrol was held in the premises of Vodice Elementary School. The goal of the project and extracurricular educational workshops is to strengthen awareness of the values of nature and the environment that surround us and to create a positive attitude towards sustainable development.
In the module “Is the sea acidic”, the first activity called “How the Earth Feels” allowed us to learn experientially how excessive amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere affect the Earth. The students should have thought through which activities individuals and industries influence the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. After thinking about the conditions, they had to “bury” one student who represented the Earth with clothes that would represent some of the imagined harmful influences. They very quickly understood the goal of this workshop and it was clear to them that the “Earth” was overheated by a large amount of harmful gases. The goal of this activity is to awaken children’s inner motivation for active problem solving and to develop sensitivity and empathy towards planet Earth.
The activity that brought the most enthusiasm in this workshop was “Try – is the sea acidic?”, in which the students had to test the pH value of the prepared solutions. They connected their knowledge of photosynthesis with the reasons for the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they observed the importance of forests and seas for the absorption of carbon dioxide, and they learned about and applied the scientific method of proof by experiment. After setting up a hypothesis or assumption in which we had mixed answers, the students got ready for the experiment. We tested the pH value of indicator solutions with papers and sauerkraut solution, which also serves as an indicator. The students were very engaged and shared their roles in the team, so they all examined two solutions each, and together they came to conclusions and ordered the solutions from the most acidic to the most alkaline. Although we should have obtained that the sea is slightly alkaline, their pH values were around 6, which proved that it is still slightly acidic, which means that we should already actively participate in all eco-actions in order to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide on the sea.
In order to complete the story with the hypothesis and the experiment, we came up with the video “What is Ocean Acidification”, which is part of the third activity called “Accepted hypothesis and consequences of acidification”, in which we explained the obtained results. This activity encourages critical reflection, curiosity and interest in the topic, builds awareness of the need for logical reflection when reaching conclusions, and helps us accept failure as an integral part of learning. After reaching conclusions about sea acidification, they should have connected the cause-and-effect relationships of sea acidification. They very quickly laid out the default cards and came to the conclusion that we ourselves influence the changes that happen to us. They point out how important it is that an individual tries to change something, so that they too can be the initiators of new eco-actions, starting with riding a bicycle instead of driving a car.
In the fourth activity “Food web”, we were introduced to the concepts of food chain and food web, they understood how the food chain works, observed their importance and mutual dependence, and discovered how the balance in the marine ecosystem is disturbed. The task was to write 10 plant and animal species on pieces of paper and stick them on their fingers. While reading the story, they were supposed to follow and connect certain species in food webs or food chains with a rope. Although we did the activity and came to conclusions, it is necessary to work out the performance itself, because according to the description in the manual, it is not easy to stick the rope on the strap on the finger. Although they got into trouble on several occasions and had to return to some species, it was clear that they liked the activity. Through this activity, they develop the ability to listen, concentrate and follow instructions, improve fine motor skills, develop the ability to recognize cause-and-effect relationships and reflect on the broader context of the story.
In the fifth activity, the students had to create a “Postcard of Hope” in which they wrote messages directed towards their hopes for the future of the Earth in 2030. Through this activity, they adopt a positive attitude towards nature conservation, encourage creative expression, develop sensitivity and empathy towards nature. They wrote that they hope there will be more educational workshops, more waste bins, fewer cars…
We conducted the evaluation in such a way that the students drew a print of their hand on paper where the index finger answered the question: What surprised you the most?, thumb: What did you like?, middle finger: what did you not like?, ring finger: what do you want to talk about? know more?, little finger: a little thing that delighted you. They showed the most interest in the performance of experiments, some pointed out the game of food webs. They were surprised by the sea acidification process and want to know more about it. They liked the whole workshop because of its dynamism and practical activities.
And how it was for us, look through the photos!
Follow us until the next workshop when we will carry out an afforestation campaign in our local community!
The project holder is the Association for the Protection of Nature and the Environment and the Promotion of Sustainable Development Argonauts, and the partners in the project are the Municipality of Murter-Kornati, JU NP Kornati, Spužvica Tisno Kindergarten, Center for Education Šubićevac, Aurora Association, Veterinary Faculty of the University of Zagreb and Elementary school Vodice. The project is co-financed by the Ministry of Science and Education.
