Real-life resources bring conservation into the classroom
Oxford. 15 May 2007. Earthwatch, the environmental charity, has launched a series of resources to bring environmental issues to life for 16 - 19 year olds. They aim to enrich students' and teachers' understanding of science and conservation and have been specifically designed to suit a range of subjects across General Certificate of Education A Levels, Scottish Certificate of Education Highers, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and vocational qualifications.
The learning resources, generously supported by The Learning and Skills Network, include a presentation about the impacts of climate change and nine themed case studies exploring pollution, deforestation and habitat destruction, sustainable use of resources, sustainable agriculture, and endangered species conservation.
Each case study offers an in-depth analysis of an Earthwatch field research project and its conservation objectives, such as determining the impact of acid rain on forests in the Czech Republic, assessing the affect of human activities on dolphins in the Hebrides and understanding how Madagascar's lemurs are reacting to habitat destruction.
The case studies describe research techniques and methods used in the field and provide examples of scientific data collected on Earthwatch projects, enabling students to learn about analysis and interpretation. They also provide a glossary of terms and a suggested reading list for further study.
"Through the resource pack we hope to give young people an insight into how data is collected and analysed in the field, and the conclusions and conservation imperatives that can be drawn from research," says Dr. Roger Mitchell, Director of Research and Education at Earthwatch (Europe). "Our ultimate aim is to inspire more young people to become interested in environmental science."
He continues, "We have been working closely with curriculum experts in order to create resources that target the relevant units and are driven by the real needs of education."
For 35 years Earthwatch has been supporting field research around the world, working in over 50 countries with more than 2,000 scientists. Earthwatch's long-term objective is to engage people in environmental issues in order to promote the understanding necessary for a sustainable environment.
Your free climate change resource pack is available to download from our website.
For press information please contact Zoe Gamble, PR Manager, + 44 (0) 1865 318852 / 07725690469 / zgamble@earthwatch.org.uk or Emily May, Press Officer, + 44 (0) 1865 318852 / /07968 486335 emay@earthwatch.org.uk.
Editors Notes