Browsing by Author "Elf, Charlotte"

The purpose of this study was to examine what kind of geomorphologic formations can be found in Hanko, Raasepori, Sipoo, Porvoo and Loviisa districts and which of them can be used for teaching purposes. Questions for the study were: 1) What interesting geomorphologic formations can be found in the areas?, 2) In what way could the formations be used by the geography- and biology teachers in the areas in their geography teaching?, 3) Which of the formations will only be thought through schoolbooks because they can't be found in the nearby grounds? The geomorphologic formations taken into account are the following: a) erractic block, b) roche moutonnée, c) drumlin, d) esker, e) terminal moraine, f) kettle, g) pothole. Besides these formations some nationally valuable formations are described as well. This study was done because other studies have shown that outdoor activities are seldom a part of the curriculum. Other studies showed that the reasons for a minor role of outdoor activities are that (the) teachers feel unsure of themselves about the subject, lack of time and too big groups of students. Studies have also shown that field trips stimulate deep learning by presenting a environment where the student can connect the learnt subject with reality. Field teaching isn't only a benefit when it comes to knowledge but also for the students self-confidence and motivation towards the subject. This is because the affective domain in the brain also influences on the deep learning by raising the motivation level and making the students believe in their own capacity. Map- and literature analysis where made to map to which places are worth visiting. Based on the analysis the field investigations were done at the chosen places and the formations were documented with camera and with GPS. Soilsamples were taken from three places for drysieving in the sedimentlaboratory in Kumpula. The morphoscopical features of these glaciofluvial soil samples were also analyzed. The results of the analysis and the field investigations showed that most of the geomorphologic formations that are describe in the schoolbooks for geography in high school can be found in the districts. Because of this there are possibilities for field trips as a part of the curriculum and there by a chance for a more deep understanding of the Finnish physical landscape and the geomorphologic formations by the students. In addition to the knowledge about the formations and the landscape the field trips also enables the student to get out of the classroom and explore the nature with their own senses instead of through a school book. The students' social skills also have a chance to develop as well as the use of working methods in science subjects.