Learning Diary - Teaching with Space and Astronomy in your Classroom by Ezio Pignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf European Schoolnet Academy, September-October 2016 en-us 2016-09-17 21:10:58 UTC 2023-01-24 20:50:18 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Planets.png Who I am eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126129886 Hi all, 
my name is Ezio Pignatelli. I teach math and Physics in a high school in Padova, Italy. Before being a teacher, however, I have been an astrophysicist for 12 years. I got my degree in Pisa, then I worked in Padova, both for the Astronomy Department of the University and for the astronomical Observatory. I also worked in Trieste, in SISSA. Then, I have been teaching in the high school since 2003. 
Having been an astrophysicist probably means I know about the scientific content of part of this course, but certainly doesn’t mean I have any idea about how to use this content for didactic purpose. 
This is the reason why enrolled, and this is the reason why I am eager to start reading – and learning. 


]]> 2016-09-23 20:34:32 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126129886 eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126130668 2016-09-23 20:41:03 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126130668 Where I Teach eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126132099 I work at the Liceo  I. Nievo in Padova, an italian high school with a scientific curriculum. 
We have about 950 students aged 14-19, who end their study with the Italian State exam at K13. 
We do have an interactive whiteboard in every classrom, and two classes "2.0", that is, classes where tablet and digital books replaced the traditional, paper books.







]]> 2016-09-23 20:54:24 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126132099 eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126135785 2016-09-23 21:31:42 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126135785 1.1 Using Space Science eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126209391 Being an ex-astrophysicist myself, I often use examples from my old experience in my physics lessons. Astronomy is no more really part of the Italian physics curriculum, but it still provides a fascinating XXX where you can create exercises for your students and 
For instance, one possible way to introduce your students to Newton's first law (the law of inertia) to your students is the historical approach: you start with Galileo's pair of inclined planes and proceed reasoning about what would happen if the second plane had inclination zero. It cenrtainly works, and students will grasp the concept. 
OR, you could start talking about the trip of Voyager 1. Tell them that the Voyager 1 spacecraft run out of fuel and stopped the engines more than 35 years ago. But it's still running away from the Sun, engines stopped, at a velocity of more than 60000 km/h.
Now, while both approach are reasonable, in my experience the last one bring complete silence in the classroom, awe and following excitement. 
Space science is one of the best tool to raise the attention of your students and bring interest in what you are saying. ]]> 2016-09-25 13:39:42 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126209391 1.2 Space scoop eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126213901 The site is very interesting, and a real mine of astronomical curiosity. Still, its content appear to be aimed to young kids (8-11 years old), so most of the material can't be applied to my contest (senior high school with scientific curriculum) without modifications. However, this does not need it cannot be of any help. ]]> 2016-09-25 14:53:05 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/126213901 4.1 Diversity and gender balance in classroom eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/127706871 Ok, I wasn't terribly inspired by this module. May be it's because in my contest I can't find any difference in how girls and boys approach science (in fact, the best students are often girls). However, this video was awesome!]]> 2016-10-02 05:03:57 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/127706871 4.3 Examples from the classroom eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/127707008 This comes from module 4, but I feel this is another possible place. :)]]> 2016-10-02 05:11:57 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/127707008 Mistery boxes eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/127739001 A first, spectacular example of inquiry]]> 2016-10-02 17:34:45 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/127739001 The first lesson reviewed eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130766783 A very interesting lesson about scientific notation applied to the solar system. First, students are required to use their digital skills to search information about a planet on the Internet, synthesize this information in a Padlet and present it to the class. Then, they will first create a sort of scale model of the solar system using edible items. Finally, with the help of their teacher a complete 3D model of the solar system will be build using geogebra.]]> 2016-10-14 14:56:53 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130766783 The first review: solar system characteristic, by Julieta Flores eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130769161 2016-10-14 15:03:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130769161 Solar system card games eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130769805 2016-10-14 15:04:44 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130769805 Spicy solar system eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130770008 2016-10-14 15:05:19 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130770008 The second review eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130867849 2016-10-14 19:36:28 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130867849 The second review: Craters in the Solar System, by Dellia-Raissa Fortu eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130867920 2016-10-14 19:36:44 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130867920 Lots (and I mean lots) of astronomical activities) eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130868097 http://www.euhou.net/
Including salsaj software for data analysis of real data, many exercises for students and informations about how to build an observatory in your school. ]]> 2016-10-14 19:37:31 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130868097 Impact Calculator eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130872167 2016-10-14 19:57:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130872167 A tour of the moon (by NASA) eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130894566 2016-10-15 04:22:11 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130894566 Craters in the solar system eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130894652 The lesson focuses on craters and their impact on the surface and characteristics of different celestial bodies.
After a short introduction using a youtube video, students are driven through two different experiences: one allows them to handle real data images by using a simplified version of a professional data analysis tool; the second one investigates the relation between physical impact parameters and the size of the outcoming crater, using a web simulator. ]]> 2016-10-15 04:27:48 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130894652 Scientix eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130895038 2016-10-15 04:48:44 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130895038 The third review: Choose a space career! by Mirela Bacita eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130933813 A nice lesson plan about choosing a science career, ending up with using some good example of Citizen Science. ]]> 2016-10-15 19:42:37 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130933813 The project itself. eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130939059 Students are encouraged to understand why inner planets are much smaller than outer planets. The physical reason they will find is that the inner planets, being near the Sun, are too hot; lighter elements, which provide the vast majority of the mass available to build a planet, quickly reach the escape velocity andare dissipated in the space. Outer planets, on the other hand, are cold enough to retain hydrogen and helium, and so can pile up very large bodies. ]]> 2016-10-15 22:01:18 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130939059 My own project: outer and inner planet in the Solar System eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130939154 2016-10-15 22:03:15 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130939154 eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130939451 2016-10-15 22:10:20 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130939451 Learning designer eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130958419 2016-10-16 09:53:05 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130958419 A good learning activity eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130958439 * Use of engaging and innovative tools/metohd
* Use of the Inquiry template
* Well aligned with learning oputcomes (activities and assessment are linked with learning outcomes and allow to determine if the objectives were achieved
* Balanced (at least 4 different tuypes of activities, none with more than 35%). Collaboration should be well represented]]> 2016-10-16 09:53:33 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130958439 The tool eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130958540 2016-10-16 09:56:26 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130958540 Prova eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130987345 2016-10-16 18:18:48 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130987345 Contest for school eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130987441 2016-10-16 18:20:32 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/130987441 CanSat eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131002823 Build a can-sized satellite, send it at a few hundred meters of height. ]]> 2016-10-16 22:05:56 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131002823 Cansat in Italy eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131002978 2016-10-16 22:09:20 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131002978 Astro-pi guide eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131003295 2016-10-16 22:12:18 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131003295 Astro-pi eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131003361 In December 2015, British ESA Astronaut Tim Peake blasted off to the International Space Station for Mission Principia – and two Raspberry Pi computers with a special add-on board are ready for him. As part of his mission, he’ll be running experiments which utilise the board’s sensors, created and coded by school students.]]> 2016-10-16 22:13:51 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131003361 1.0 Why Space & Space Careers eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131299957 Not the module most useful to me, since it is mostly aimed to primary school. Still, I have a 4 years old child, so...]]> 2016-10-17 20:09:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131299957 Unawe eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131436734 Material for children aged 4-10. I especially liked the "Universe in a box" booklet, and the instructions on how to build it yourself.]]> 2016-10-18 12:42:45 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131436734 2. Working with Inquiry in Science Classroom eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131441636 IMHO the core of the whole course. Especially for me, since I do not know anything about this kind of learning style. (and I feel I really should!)]]> 2016-10-18 12:56:22 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131441636 eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131444731 2016-10-18 13:03:11 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131444731 eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131445558 2016-10-18 13:05:12 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131445558 Know your planets eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131447289 Instructive card games for kids]]> 2016-10-18 13:09:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131447289 Inquiry-based lesson template eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131499720 By far the core of the whole course. includes everything in module 2,3, ]]> 2016-10-18 14:58:54 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131499720 eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131552492 2016-10-18 16:50:23 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131552492 3. Using ICT tools in Science Classroom eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131552620 2016-10-18 16:50:42 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131552620 3.a Watching the sky eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131553157 2016-10-18 16:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131553157 Sky Map for iphone eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131554696 2016-10-18 16:55:27 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131554696 Sky map for Android eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131555079 2016-10-18 16:56:16 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131555079 Stellarium eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131556625 Planetary on your PC]]> 2016-10-18 16:59:44 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131556625 3.b Gravity simulators eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131558375 2016-10-18 17:03:06 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131558375 Gravity eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131559006 The best of all, IMHO. It works on any platform (not mobile!). You can even change the gravity law and see what happens. ]]> 2016-10-18 17:04:19 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131559006 Super Planet Crash eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131562032 Build a solar system that last for 500 years. The more it is complex, and the more it survives, the higher the score!]]> 2016-10-18 17:11:28 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131562032 Galaxy crash eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131564227 Much more complex: a java applet to simulate glaxy mergers and interactions. Comes with a set of didactic activites]]> 2016-10-18 17:16:39 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131564227 3.c Citizen Science eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131565280 2016-10-18 17:19:12 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131565280 Cerberus eziopignatelli https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131568068 2016-10-18 17:25:48 UTC https://padlet.com/eziopignatelli/ox2sys4xzlbf/wish/131568068