The use of satellite imagery in science lessons in schools is the aim of SEOS (Science Education through Earth Observation for High Schools). The Institute of Physics at the University of Oldenburg, in collaboration with the affiliated Institute of Science Networking (ISN), is organising this joint European project on three Saturdays, 9 and 16 May and 6 June, from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, in Oldenburg city centre at Lefferseck.
Scientists and teachers from various EU countries – including Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece and England – are taking part in SEOS. Internet-based learning modules have been developed in collaboration with the participating partners, which can be used in the subjects of physics, biology, geography, mathematics and engineering. The content of the learning modules corresponds to the curriculum for these subjects, but there is also a particular focus on opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching.
A total of 15 learning modules have been developed, which are being trialled in close collaboration with grammar schools. They cover a wide range of topics: climate change, land use and marine pollution, natural and human-induced environmental changes, environmental modelling, Earth observation measurement techniques from space, and more.
The aim is for pupils to use these learning units to place their personal observations within a global context and to develop an understanding of how the necessary information is obtained and interpreted. “The project aims to teach scientific working methods – one of the key skills in education,” explains Dr Rainer Reuter, an environmental physicist and the project coordinator.

Information: www.seos-project.eu/home.html

Contact: Dr Rainer Reuter, Institute of Physics, Tel.: 0441/798-3522,
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