In June 2005 Pembrokeshire college proposed a joint venture to Dragon LNG to raise awareness of the application and importance of science and technology.
Pembrokeshire College sought the collaboration of the Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival (PDSF) in managing and delivering the programme. PDSF have a long established record in delivering science based workshops and field trips for schools in Pembrokeshire and the whole of West Wales.
The support of the National Curriculum by means of enjoyable workshops and activities was proposed. The project has been developed to familiarise the school children with the construction of the LNG facilities at Waterston. The requirements of the UK to implement long term sustainability with regard to the provision and supply of energy, has been outlined as a key issue.
Events, workshops and field events during Peasat 2005
IT unit
A mobile IT facility, was taken to 46 schools during the project. The workshop was a web based quest to search specific websites to find relevant information on energy and energy saving methods in the home. Information, pictures and interpretations of data are then illustrated using a range of software including; a Publisher booklet, a poster or PowerPoint presentation. The workship was developed and presented by Sharon Bannister (Education Manager) at the West Wales Ecocentre.
Workshops
Two workshops were devised to be relevant to the school’s timetable of curriculum-based science.
Microscopy ‘Tiny Creatures in the World’s Giant Oceans’
Wireless stereoscopic microscopes are provided for pupils and a brief introduction to their proper use is undertaken. Samples of different types of plankton (both plant and animal) are passed to each workstation in turn, pupils are asked to draw 3 different shaped organisms in the workbooks.
Electricity ‘Lights, Engines, Pedal Power and the Sun’ has been designed to demonstrate the means of power production in the UK and globally. Solar panels, dynamos, batteries and a steam engine are used to provide electric current that is measured using an ammeter.
Field events
Ten schools visited the Milford Haven Port Authority and received a presentation by Deputy Harbour Master, Bill Hurst. The presentation included a discussion on wildlife in the waterway and the process of piloting and tugging large tankers. The group visit the viewing tower and watch radar operators at work. A discussion on the safety and the process of harbour operations uses Dragon LNG as an example.
After the group went to St. Bride’s beach for a rock pool ramble. The rock pool habitat and the organisms that live in them are used to illustrate adaptations as a means of co-habitation. Mari Williams draws attention to the litter on beaches and in rock pools and other sensitive marine habitats. Mari is also a qualified Marine Biologist.
Pembrokeshire College Lab Visits
The presentation introduces the process of energy production and requirements, using the development of Dragon LNGs’ site at Waterston as a vehicle for discussion. LNG is explained and discussed along with a basic rundown of the where it is coming from how it gets here and what happens to it at key stages. The presentation was rounded off with a look at current strategies which are being considered in terms of renewable energy production in Pembrokeshire, primarily wind and tidal techniques.
Working with local partners
The Project Coordinator has taken a partnership approach in the development of the programme. This has been seen through PDSF’s experience as a key tool in building credibility and a depth of experience and expertise.
The key partners are Dragon LNG, Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival and Pembrokeshire College.
West Wales Eco Centre: The Eco Centre has been represented by Sharon Bannister (Education Manager) who devised and facilitated the IT Unit activities. Energy and energy efficiency in the home are the areas of her expertise.
Keep Wales Tidy: has been represented by Mari Williams (Officer for Pembrokeshire). Mari advises on protecting the beauty of Pembrokeshire’s beaches from litter. Mari is also a BSc qualified Marine Biologist and disseminates her knowledge on rock pool organisms.
Events, workshops and field events during Peasat 2006
Following the success of the PEASAT Project 2005/6, the sponsors, Dragon LNG in Waterston, generously agreed to extend their support for another year. The impact on individual pupils and schools as a whole during year one was overwhelming. This is evident in the complete take up of PEASAT 2 before the completion of the PEASAT 1 programme.
The Project Co-ordinator and Steering Group have developed the project (from a broad spectrum single event, offered to multiple schools) to a more focused series of events, culminating in an investigative science project, for assessment for nationally recognised awards.
Working partners established for PEASAT 2 are; Keep Wales Tidy, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority; Field Studies Council (at Dale Fort) and SETPOINT Wales. SETPOINT Wales, based at Glamorgan University have agreed to support and assess investigative science projects. This is done in their capacity as representatives of the British Association for the Advancement of Science (The BA).
Field Visits and Follow Up Workshops
Carew Tidal Mill:
A look at how people have used natural resources to their advantage in the past. Dynamos and motors will be looked at and electromagnetism will be explored.
River Sampling: Introducing the water cycle and river ecosystems.
Kick sampling will be carried out and organisms will be identified. The organisms will be categorised and will provide an indication of the water quality. Pollution as a broad subject will be discussed and broken down into landward pollutants and airborne pollutants.
Sediment Sampling:
This project is for 6th formers at secondary schools from Milford Haven and Pembroke. Sites will be selected and recorded using G.P.S (for repeatability of tests). Samples will be taken from each site; one school will study the sediment distribution and the other, the organisms present – producing projects accordingly. The value of the Milford Haven Estuary will be discussed with pupils and the use of its resources in terms of industry will also be explored (using the development of the Dragon site as context).
Assessment Event
School groups working on science based projects will have the opportunity to present their projects and take part in a celebratory fair. The Fair would be attended by various local and national scientists, each having their own stall and activities. Groups that regularly take part in such Fairs are; Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, National Oceanographic Centre, Southampton, Keep Wales Tidy, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, West Wales Eco Centre, SETPOINT Wales, Skomer Marine Nature Reserve and many others.
To download the full report click here |
