Learning from each other
ViteMeir and Kaupanger students learn from each other
The atmosphere in the classroom at Kaupanger school is palpable. The 10th graders are practicing hard. In a few minutes, they will present a project they have been working on for several months, but not to the teacher. They will be presenting to a customer.
Outside the classroom, the communication manager is responsible ViteMeir , Åse Neraas, and mediates Veronica Danielsen. They are at least as excited as the students. Soon Åse and Veronica will hear the students' proposals for interactive installations that can be used in the stairwell in the science centre.
- The only thing I know is that it will be linked to the UN's sustainable development goals. That was in the assignment description. But beyond that, the students have been given free rein," says Åse.
Then the school bell rings. It's time for a short break before the presentations, and the students come out into the hallway. Some smile shyly at Veronica. Others are more forward.
- Is that where they come from ViteMeir ? Ask one of the students.
Åse and Veronica go into the classroom and have a chat with teacher Eirik Menes. He tells them that the students get more involved when they are working on a project for someone else.
- It won't be the same when they only have to show it to us teachers. This project has given them a goal to work towards.
The bell rings again. Recess is over, and the students find their seats. Then they begin. First, the students present a few selected sustainability goals. It quickly becomes clear that the students at Kaupanger are a socially engaged group. They are concerned about protecting marine life, stopping climate change and ensuring that everyone gets a free education.
- "I think it's great to see such committed and reflective young people. This gives me confidence that we will be able to create a better and more sustainable world together," says Veronica.
The tension in the room turns up a couple of notches. The students have finished presenting the sustainability goals they have chosen. Now they will present their own ideas for how ViteMeir can use the assessment measure in their exhibition.
- We suggest a fishing simulator. Says a student in the first group.
They have worked with marine life and envision a trail where you catch fish and dissect them using VR glasses. Inside the fish you find pieces of plastic. The idea is to provide information about how plastic that ends up in nature can be harmful.
Group two has focused on education. They present a course where you get information about education in different countries before completing a quiz. But the information does not come by itself. To make it visible, you have to generate electricity by running on a giant hamster wheel. Then you have to use an air blower to send a ball through several rings. Those who make it through the course get a prize. Maybe a love on a stick?
The last group is interested in life on land. They suggest a course where you have to digitally plant a tree. Afterwards, you have to pump water to water the tree and cycle to create sunlight. Finally, you can donate the tree to an organization that works against deforestation.
Åse and Veronica are impressed. They praise the students, but also ask critical questions.
- Love on a stick creates a lot of waste. Have they thought about whether we can have a more sustainable prize for the quiz? Åse asks.
No, they hadn't thought of that. Science teacher Eirik thinks it's good that students get critical questions.
- They benefit from having to think outside their own bubble.
Eirik is so pleased with the project that he wonders when they can start the next project. Åse and Veronica are also pleased.
- "This is absolutely perfect, especially because the students are right in the middle of our target group. They're the ones who know best what engages them," says Åse.
The collaboration project was a so-called Lektor2 project. Lektor2 is a national scheme that encourages schools to collaborate with professionals from the business community. Such projects must be linked to science subjects, but can take many different forms.
- "I hope that we can set up Lektor2 projects with more of the schools in Sogn og Fjordane. If anyone has ideas for a project, we'd be delighted if they contact us," says Veronica
