Connecting Classrooms and Science with the EGU Teacher-Scientist Pairing Scheme

Have you ever wondered why lakes feel colder as you dive deeper? Researcher Laura Coulson is attempting to bring this question to life in the classroom. As part of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) Teacher-Scientist Pairing Scheme, Laura and with middle school teacher Sarah Coulson, have created a “teaching duet” to address this topic.  Launched in 2021, this program pairs school teachers and scientists as equal collaborators to develop lesson plans that are not only scientifically accurate but also directly applicable to classroom learning. Through dynamic video presentations by the scientists and hands-on classroom activities led by teachers, the pairing scheme creates immersive educational experiences. More information is available here: https://www.egu.eu/news/1033/apply-to-participate-in-the-egu-teacher-scientist-pairing-scheme-2024/

Here’s how the lesson unfolds:

1. Video Introduction
   The segment opens with Sarah, a curious teacher, pondering why deeper lake water feels colder. She calls Laura, a scientist stationed at Austria’s WasserCluster Lunz Biological Station, to help answer the question. Through engaging visuals and clear explanations, Laura introduces the concept of lake stratification, the thermocline, and how seasons impact lake temperatures.
2. Activity 1: The Dynamics of Water Density
   Students participate in a simple but illustrative demonstration to explore how temperature influences water density, using warm and cold water to mimic lake stratification. A worksheet reinforces their understanding of the thermocline and seasonal variations.
3. Activity 2: Habitat House Hunters
   In this interactive task, students act as “real estate agents” for lake plants and animals, placing them in habitats based on their unique needs for light, oxygen, and temperature.
4. Activity 3: The importance of long term data

Laura returns to discuss how long-term lake temperature measurements reveal trends and inform our understanding of climate change. Students are encouraged to explore the implications of a warming lake on ecosystems, with an optional advanced activity examining how habitat distributions might shift in a warmer future.

The program includes a comprehensive Teacher’s Guide, filled with tips to help educators tailor the lesson to their classroom.

Stay tuned for the full video and teaching guide coming in Spring 2025!