iSPYnature
http://www.ispynature.com
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What is the site about?
iSPYnature encourages young people to develop their interest in 'nature' or 'wildlife', specifically in Ireland. iSPYnature was developed along the lines of Biology.ie and consequently takes a different approach to increasing biodiversity awareness, namely through:
- observations of local wildlife and
- recording what they see
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Ideally the user will see a plant or animal, record it in a note book and then use iSPYnature.com to mark its approximate location on a map, and write in their nature notes. The map and nature notes can be viewed at any time by the user. Only the user can see their online notes.
Why was it chosen as site of the week?
- It is particularly relevant as this year is the International Biodiversity Year
- The site is visually engaging and a great means of active, investigative and project based learning
- It reinforces and stimulates curiosity and imagination about local and wider environments
- It makes data-collection interesting, fun and rewarding, helping students relate Geography and Scicence to their everyday lives
- Using the site enables the child to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes so as to develop an informed and critical understanding of environmental issues
- The site is easy to use and has many engaging features when and where sightings were logged
- It links in with key skills and concepts, such as: A sense of place and space; Maps, globes and graphical skills; Geographical investigation skills.
- It contains a teacher section with many useful ideas and lesson plans.
How can it be used as an educational resource?
This site can be used in project work or outdoor excursions to document plants and animals. The online element encourages students to be precise in their reading of maps. It also promotes good practice by having students write in their nature notes as well as having a record online. It also motivates students to take an interest in nature by asking them to upload the information.
Another worthwhile aspect from a teacher's point of view is that fact that only the user can see their online notes, and so provides an element of privacy.
Curriculum Mapping
Primary SESE Science: Living Things, Environmental Awareness and Care
Primary SESE Geography: Natural environments, Environmental Awareness and Care
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