Radionuclides

D-PHYS D-USYS D-ERDW

The video series for the blended learning course "Radionuclides as environmental tracers" depicts how these tracers help us understand our world by following a series of case studies.

What we did:
Script
Production
Artwork
Animation
Video

Content

The blended learning “Radionuclides as environmental tracers” explores how radionuclides can be used as tracers to understand environmental processes. This includes how they serve as tracers for paleoclimate reconstruction and to understand the carbon cycle, and how they contribute to generating knowledge about ocean water circulation. The course focuses on long-lived radionuclides that decay over thousands or millions of years, which require sophisticated mass spectrometers to measure. In addition, the course features a video series that take students through the central aspects of each case study and provide a more visual and interactive learning experience.  

Each case study video begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by expert statements and a voice-over that connects the individual statements and presents the scientific content in an engaging narrative, while each lecture focuses on one case study, providing in-depth analysis with clear structure suitable for master's or doctoral students from different backgrounds. The videos serve as an introduction to each section.    

Antropogenic Radionuclides - CTD Ocean Water

Stalagmites Standalone

Marine Sediments - Bioturbation

Radiocarbon Paleoclimate - Laserablation

Provenance Analysis

Overview Map – Still

Visual Style

The visual style of "Radionuclides as Environmental Tracers" series was carefully crafted to balance both scientific accuracy and visual appeal. The use of on-​location footage of sampling in various environments, such as caves, rivers, and the arctic, immerses the viewer in the real-​world application of the science. The 2D animations, with their unique style, complement the footage and serve as a tool to explain complex scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible way.

The use of a different color palette for each case study creates a visually stunning and cohesive world that invites viewers to explore and learn more about the subject matter. The combination of these elements ensures that the series is both informative and visually appealing.

Production process

People involved 

Departments:
A collaboration between LET EduMedia and ETHs D-Phys, D-Usys and D-Erdw 

Educational Content Development:
Dr. Caroline Welte
Prof. Núria Casacuberta Arola
Dr. Anne-​Marie Wefing

Content Experts: 
Prof. Thomas Blattmann
Dr. Franziska Lechleitner
Dr. Anne-Marie Wefing
Prof. Blanca Austin
Dr. Marc Luescher
Dr. Caroline Welte
Prof. Núria Casacuberta Arol

Project Lead EduMedia Team: 
Judith Rehmann M.A. 

Script Development:
Dr. Caroline Welte
Judith Rehmann M.A.
Dr. Anna Garry 

Voice Over:
Louise Rook

Camera:
Ave-Lii Idavain M.A.
Kateryna Makerenko
Dr. Jeanine Reutemann 

Art, Visual Design and Animation:  
Hannes Oehen
Jane Gebel M.A.

Postproduction and Sounddesign:
Dr. Jeanine Reutemann
Carlo Roman Picaso M.A.
Kateryna Makarenko

Backstopping:
Dr. Gerd Kortemeyer

Further information 

Target Group:
Master Students of Physics
Environmental Sciences
Earth Sciences 

Implementation:
Blended Learning, Mooc – September 2023 

Products: 
7 Videos, 4–6 minutes long