Ethical and Green

Calling all teachers!  Are you doing any lesson planning this Easter?  Need some inspiration? Check out the following article and not only educate the children but do your bit for the environment as well!

It would be great if as many schools as possible could sign up for Low Carbon Day so check out the links.

Schools Low Carbon Day Launches to Educate 1 Million Children about Climate Change
National Schools Campaign to Raise Awareness about Climate Change on June 24th 2010

An annual event for both primary and secondary schools is announced today which aims to educate 1 million pupils across Britain about climate change and make them more aware of the impact they and their family have on the environment.
Organised by Cool The World, a registered charity set up by a group of mothers, ‘Schools Low Carbon Day’ has been designed to raise awareness of climate change among those who will be most affected by it – the younger generation – and give support and resources to schools looking to teach their pupils about this issue in a fun and engaging way.

On June 24th 2010, schools up and down the country will dedicate the morning to teaching their pupils about climate change and inspire them to do something to reduce carbon emissions in their home or school.
1000 schools representing some 350,000 pupils have already registered to take part, but the aim is to generate mass participation and teach 1 million pupils on the same day – to maximise the impact of the initiative and make pupils feel they can affect greater change together.
The structure of the morning is flexible and ultimately down to individual schools and teachers, however it is suggested that teachers planning to take part in the event split the morning as follows:
· An ‘academic’ period, learning about climate change and energy use
· A ‘practical’ period; possible activities include designing a poster, making a solar powered boat, holding a debate on nuclear power or climate change
· An ‘action’ period during which children will calculate their carbon footprint and pledge to do something about it
Teachers can access online resources from www.lowcarbonday.com and find lesson plans which meet curriculum objectives in Science, Geography and Design & Technology and include lessons for Key Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4.
“Schools Low Carbon Day is about mobilising the people who will be most affected
by climate change: our children. Schools have a vital role to play in educating children about the issue and by focusing attention and resource on one particular morning in the school calendar, teachers can educate their pupils about the environment in a fun and engaging way” says Erica Charles, mother and Cool The World charity founder.

To find out more information about Schools Low Carbon Day, sign up and download example teaching packs and educational activities go to www.lowcarbonday.com