Research regarding ecological reconstruction of disturbed areas (mines), conducted by Prof. Yaron Ziv of the Ben Gurion University, is a unique and groundbreaking study on an international level. The study analyzes the abiotic and biotic factors of the natural environment, while comparing it to an artificial environment after reconstruction of mines. The study is structured as a “living laboratory” – a dynamic and accessible system that is open to groups of students, teachers, and environmental educators, as part of which high school students in the south conduct bio-study projects as part of their biology studies matriculation requirements. In 2017, 10 classes participated in the project. In 2018 and 2019, 12 classes participated in the project, a total of 1,300 high school students.
In the 2020 school year additional classes were meant to take part in the project, as the project gained reputation.
In the 2018-2019 school year, about 420 high school students from 12 high schools throughout the Southern District took part in the project as part of their biology studies.
The project is carried out thanks to the cooperation of scientists, industrialists, and educators. Within its framework, students learn of the complexity of nature preservation and the difficulties in reconstructing disturbed areas. They also study ecological research methods, the collection and processing of data, academic work and research methods practiced in academia. In addition, they become familiar with the needs of industry – ICL plants – and the inseparable link between human beings and their environment. The practical and educational value of the project is significant, and it serves as a broad platform for understanding the importance and significance of ecological reconstruction. A hands-on encounter with the field, data collection, phenomena analysis and guidance by both young and veteran experts, all ensure a strong connection between the teenagers and the environment, and education in positive citizenship and the preservation of nature.
The students take part in a process of ecological scientific study that includes three sessions:
- Preliminary workshop at the school – the objectives of the preliminary workshop is to provide the students with meaningful comprehension of the scientific process and scientific thought, to familiarize them with basic ecological precepts of an ecosystem and its constituent components, to expose them to the complexity of practical ecology and ecological reconstruction in phosphate mining sites, and to conduct directed, structured study according to the principles of scientific thought.
- A day-trip to the mining areas of ICL Rotem’s plants. The objectives of the trip: learning about the region’s ecology, introduction to adjustment phenomena of organisms and the environment, to use ecological study methods and collect data in the field, and hands-on experiential activity involving scorpions \ bird-tagging at the Duchifat Center in Yeruham.
- Concluding session at the school – this session’s objectives are to refresh and systematically review the findings in the field, present results, analyze them and compare them to projections and hypotheses, and reach conclusions.
The project began its fourth year in 2020; however, the Israeli school system was shut down on March 15 and transitioned to remote learning. An attempt was made to continue the teaching part; however, the program comprises three parts and not all schools managed to perform the preliminary workshop before the lockdown started. An attempt was made to hold the workshop remotely via Zoom, but as trips to the mining sites could not be carried out, and it was impossible to hold the closing session, a decision was made to suspend the project until the pandemic is over.
We strive to continue developing this unique program and believe that this can be achieved in light of the educational and value-oriented vision of all partners who have committed their time and efforts in its success.
