Strato-Ballon Measurement an Environmental Consciousness

<< Background >>The specific objective of the balloon project was to measure environmentally relevant data in the stratosphere using a balloon, appropriate measuring instruments and microcomputers, and prepared experiments. This experimental setup alone documents the correspondence to the selected horizontal goal: Environment and fight against climate change. These measurements raise participants' awareness of environmental pollution. The intention is to use this awareness to support the fight against climate change, in line with the goals of civic engagement, common values and participation. We assume that our participants will be able to become active not only privately but also, for example, in NGOs, based on their own experiences gained from self-organised and self-conducted studies. The descriptions above thus clarify the connection between political bodies, research and practical implementation in a social context. The implementation of theoretical knowledge into professional practice (organisation of the balloon project, teaching IT, chemistry, biology) in the context of various training programmes contributes to innovation in vocational education.<< Objectives >>By launching a balloon into the stratosphere, we wanted to link all the STEM subjects taught at the three participating schools. The project, culminating in the spectacular launch of the balloon in the schoolyard, was designed to spark interest in scientific theory and practice, which is important for communicating the EU's environmental goals. In science, work is often carried out internationally, with English as the working language. This was simulated in the project, creating an international learning experience that also included communicating the results to the school community and interested parties from the press and the school's political environment.<< Implementation >>The students planned, calculated, built and launched a weather balloon with a research probe into the stratosphere. The measurement data was evaluated and interpreted during the school year of the project in order to draw conclusions about environmental pollution. The entire flight was recorded by a video camera. This brought science to life and made the research results accessible to the entire school community in all three countries. The German team was responsible for procuring the materials and permits, as well as for building the basket that contained the project partners' measuring instruments and other equipment (e.g. the camera and the GPS tracker for recovery).<< Results >>From our point of view, the final result was the successful launch of the balloon in cooperation with schools from other departments, with the participation of the school community and the local press and politicians, including the successful recovery of the probe. The partner schools successfully measured environmental data and carried out experiments during the flight. It was a good result for all schools that the theoretical plans in the areas of technology, measurement technology and scientific results could be successfully implemented. The project results platform offers the corresponding presentations (PPTX, videos).