Teaching "Climate Change and Glaciers" Using ESA-Eduspace Material

Abstract

According to the literature, satellite imagery has positive effects on the teaching of Geography. Some of the most prominent benefits to students are the development of geographic thinking, the holistic understanding of the world, and the recognition of the problems the active citizen of the future will encounter. The present study forms part of a broader postgraduate work focusing on Satellite Imagery in Education. Aims: The research undertaken for the present study aimed to determine the appropriateness for the Greek school system of a case study (i.e. theoretical background and worksheet exercises) presented through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) website, Eduspace. Study Design:  Quasi-experimental. Place and Duration of Study: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, between December 2016 and May 2017. Methodology: The case study entitled “Climate change and glaciers” was implemented to 19 Greek lower secondary students (control group) as approached by ESA. The purpose was to determine its positive aspects as well as points that could be further improved. Based on the findings of the implementation, researchers modified the case study proposing qualitative changes to adapt it to the Greek lower secondary school. The modified case study was applied to 20 Greek lower secondary students (experimental group). Results: Results indicated there were differences in the educational outcomes of the two groups and, more specifically, in the degree of students' understanding of the theoretical framework and the corresponding exercises, as well as their understanding of glaciers as systems influenced by many factors. Conclusion: Modifications can be made to the ESA case study “Climate change and glaciers” in order for it to be effective and useful in Greek lower secondary school.