Case Studies & Testimonials
Internationally, nearly 5,000 teachers have received training through Earthwatch teacher programmes. A previous independent evaluation of our educator work in the United States, commissioned by Earthwatch, found that 85% of teachers reported that the programme changed the way they teach.
Below are selection of quotes from teachers who have been though Earthwatch teacher teams in the UK and a couple of examples of how these programmes have inspired environmental actions in our schools.
Case Studies
Lesley Sleight, Earthwatch Teacher Fellow
Since joining the Dolphins of Greece project, Lesley’s resources have been awarded Gold and Silver medals by the Pod for Greener Schools. She has also carried out a number of very successful environmental initiatives within her school. Her personal project revolved around the offsetting of the school’s transport emissions through tree-planting.
Pupils at the school conducted a survey indicating that the school would need to plant 4,490 trees to offset their emissions for the year. By June 2009, 2,800 trees were planted and the team were granted an all expenses paid trip to present this project at the Volvo Adventure Awards in Sweden, where they were awarded second place. Environmental initiatives within the school have since gone from strength to strength and the school is currently top of the Pod for Greener Schools award table.
Louise Twist, Earthwatch Teacher Fellow
Louise organised an Eco-day for her school which included work on a wildlife garden, and a Climate Change Pledge Tree (pictured). Following this experience Louise produced a resource pack that she distributed to other schools using funds from Earthwatch.
The pack, which is aimed at helping schools work toward Eco-School status and to plan environmental activities, has proved popular with schools and students alike. Earthwatch was delighted to welcome Louise back as an Educator facilitator on an Earthwatch Expedition in 2011.
Testimonials
Once again, can I thank Earthwatch for this incredible opportunity. It has influenced and inspired me more than I ever thought. I have a new direction to follow and am now officially responsible for implementing the government's sustainable school framework in my school (a daunting task!)
Leanne Blair, 2009
It was interesting meeting other educators and discussing with them their ideas and initiatives. Such ideas will prove very useful in the future, helping me to think of similar things that could be done in my own school.
Sophie McDowell, 2010
I have resources that I can use in many aspects of my teaching, from photos of the trip to data gained from the scientists, which will bring a sense of realism to teaching ecology.
Melissa Thorpe, 2010
I could see how our research was helping to build up a better understanding of these fragile ecosystems. It has provided me with an opportunity to make new friends and professional contacts with other teachers and researchers.
Joel Rodker, 2009
All of the pupils have been extremely interested in my expedition. I feel the experience inspired me to 'think outside the box' in my teaching. Successes have definitely been the pupils' response and how much they have enjoyed the lessons and getting outside to do something.
Victoria Hargreaves, 2008
After years of teaching the same topics in somewhat the same way, this experience has reminded me of the importance of looking at things from different perspectives. The scientists presented ideas and gathered facts...reminding us that we can make decisions that can and will affect our environment. That’s what we want our own students to do: think for themselves and draw their own conclusions.
Earthwatch Teacher Fellow
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