WEEKLY WHITEBOARD ??
8billionideas
Our mission is to give every student on the planet the skills and belief to change the world.
This is concerning...
Many recent studies and surveys indicate a significant lack of sustainability awareness among school students in the UK and other countries. ??
In the last Weekly Whiteboard , we dove into fun ideas to make art and PE classes real-world simulated. This week, we're bringing you some engaging activity ideas to add to your sustainability education programme in your school. (Pass it on if you think this is also helpful for someone else. ??)
In recent years, many teachers have reported significant challenges in integrating sustainability into the curriculum, including resistance to change, a lack of resources, and insufficient professional development opportunities.
Incorporating continued sustainability education into the classroom is absolutely crucial for developing environmentally conscious students who are equipped to address global challenges. ????
By fostering creativity, awareness, and practical action, we as educators can help shape a generation committed to preserving our planet for future generations.
With this in mind, here's what we'll cover in this edition. ???
?? Planet protectors: Fun and quick activities to enhance the impact of sustainability education for your students.
News updates that matter:?
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Education tidbit:
?? Norway invests heavily in education, spending more per student than most other countries. On average, Norway spends about $18,000 per student annually, compared to the OECD average of $12,600.
FRIDAY SPOTLIGHT: ENGAGING SUSTAINABILITY ED ACTIVITIES
?? Energy audit: Students identify and list energy sources in the room (lights, computers, chargers, etc.) and suggest simple ways to reduce energy consumption, such as turning off lights when not in use or unplugging devices. You can take it up a notch by asking them to ideate creative and innovative ways and solutions.
This activity strengthens awareness about energy consumption and supports practical steps to reduce it.?
?? Eco-friendly product: Conduct a brainstorming session where students think of everyday products and suggest eco-friendly alternatives. Give students 10-15 minutes to develop rough sketches/drawings and features for the product.
This activity encourages critical thinking and creativity while teaching students about sustainable products. It helps students recognise the environmental impact of their choices and promotes sustainable consumer habits.
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?? Carbon footprint quiz: Conduct a quick quiz where students calculate their personal carbon footprint based on their daily activities, such as transportation, energy use, and food consumption. Discuss ways to reduce their carbon footprint. You can also use this footprint calculator .
This activity helps students understand the concept of a carbon footprint and encourages them to think about ways to reduce their environmental impact.
领英推荐
A report from UNICEF revealed that across 92 countries, nearly three-quarters of 15 to 24-year-olds lack the skills required to thrive in future employment opportunities.?
With the world of work becoming increasingly complex and competitive, it's critical for students to equip themselves with the right set of skills, knowledge, and ,certainly, confidence.
Keeping this and the needs of schools worldwide in mind, we recently launched 'Hire Me'. ????
Hire Me is an experiential programme that aims to give young people a crash course in crucial job skills, professional communication and conduct, and make themselves more hireable than ever.
They will come away from this programme with valuable resources and tangible outcomes that will allow them to thrive in any work landscape today and tomorrow.
Sounds like a valuable addition to your school's careers curriculum?
TOP THREE EDUCATION UPDATES ??
The latest news: ?
1?? Smartphone ban: UK?MPs have recommended a total ban on smartphones for under 16-year-olds and a statutory ban on mobile phone use in schools. The House of Commons education committee's recent report highlights the negative impact of excessive screen use on children's education and wellbeing. Additionally, the report urges the government to legally enforce a mobile phone ban in schools, building on February's guidance prohibiting phone use during the school day. The report also called for a formal monitoring regime to gauge the impact of the ban and to keep in reserve the option of making it statutory.
Why it matters: This recommendation aims to protect children's wellbeing by reducing excessive screen time and its adverse impacts on their education. (Via The Guardian)
2?? Mental health ed accolades: Private schools in the UAE are emphasising wellbeing education, with many schools being lauded for prioritising pupils' mental health. For example, Dubai's Gems FirstPoint School — The Villa recently received the School Mental Health Award from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, part of Leeds Beckett University in the UK.?
Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's commitment to student mental health, showcasing successful initiatives that can serve as models for other schools globally.?(Via The National)
3?? Diversification: UK independent schools have increased their international student numbers this year, though still below pre-Covid levels, according to the ISC Census 2024. The census, which gives a snapshot of enrolment at 1,411 UK schools, recorded 26,195 international students, a 2.9% rise from the previous year, with China becoming the largest source market for the first time in three years with 5,824 students, followed by Hong Kong. Despite this growth, other major markets declined while new source countries emerged.
Why it matters: This trend highlights the shifting dynamics of international education and the recovery of global student mobility post-Covid.?(StudyTravel Network)
?'Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.'
– Confucius