*Akinori Saito1, Takuya Tsugawa2, Miho Yamamori3
(1.Department of Geophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, 2.National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, 3.Tsuru University)
Keywords:digital globe, science class, elementary school, digital text book, application
Dagik Earth, a digital globe system, is an educational digital tool that displays various earth and planetary data in a three-dimensional format, allowing users to view the data in a way that is not possible with ordinary photographs or videos. It has been developed since 2007 and is being used in schools, science museums, and others. In elementary school science, content and instructional plans are being developed for use in "Weather" (5th grade) and "The Moon and the Sun" (6th grade), and are also being used in the "Planets" unit, although it is a developmental topic. The software can be used in elementary schools in two ways: (A) three-dimensional display using a spherical screen, and (B) flat display using a tablet or other device. In usage (A), a PC projector is used to project images of the earth and planets onto a spherical screen for a three-dimensional display. It is used not only in the classroom, but also in events in auditoriums where large screens with diameters of 2m or 4m are used for display. This presentation make students to have the feeling of looking down on the earth from space. In usage (B), students can manipulate and view the contents of "Dagik Earth" by using digital textbooks and applications. This allows for independent learning, as learners can select content, rotate, zoom in, and still/play the earth. In addition to these digital learning materials, the materials for hand-made globes and origamis are provided. These are used in "demae" classes and science events. In the lecture, we will also discuss the challenges of using teaching materials developed by university researchers in elementary schools.