Understanding Ecosystems, Key Species and Indicator Species - a Way to Systems Thinking
▶Summary
INSIGHT aims to educate teachers and pupils about key species in stream and river ecosystems, fostering ecosystem thinking and sustainable reasoning. Using the mini-SASS tool, participants will mo...
▶Objectives
INSIGHT aims to educate teachers and pupils about key species in stream and river ecosystems, fostering ecosystem thinking and sustainable reasoning. Using the mini-SASS tool, participants will monitor water quality and observe local species. The initiative addresses climate anxiety by connecting pupils with local phenomena, and building knowledge and action competence. The project promotes civic engagement through citizen science, emphasizing local action for sustainability.
▶Activities
INSIGHT involves parallel activities in Norway and Sweden. Teachers and pupils at one school in each country test a lecture plan including a start-up lecture about ecosystems and species, and three outdoor sessions (June, August and September) where pupils explore local waterways, identify species, and assess water quality using the mini-SASS tool. A final indoor session focuses on data registration and presentations. Questionnaires and interviews are conducted to gather feedback.
▶Impact
INSIGHT enhances species literacy, ecosystem understanding and systems thinking by exploring local waterways with the mini-SASS tool, analysis of water parameters and the surrounding area. This helps pupils connect to their local environment and a broader international community. The resulting lecture plan will have open access, and we believe this will encourage citizen science and civic engagement for a sustainable future.