Bringin conservation into the classroom
Earthwatch awards for teachers and environmental educators
Earthwatch, the international environmental charity, is pleased to offer teachers of all disciplines and environmental educators across the UK, the opportunity to get closer to nature. Lucky winners of the Earthwatch Environmental Awards, which are generously supported by GlaxoSmithKline, will have the unique opportunity to join an Earthwatch UK Discovery Project in 2005. They will also receive a £125 grant to ‘kick start' an environmental project in their school or local area.
If you are a teacher or educator and can demonstrate your commitment to the environment then apply now and take this opportunity to make a difference. You need no prior experience or knowledge - training will be provided in the field. Projects will operate in the school holidays and all expenses will be reimbursed.
There are a host of exciting projects on offer and successful candidates may find themselves assisting with a baseline study of the grey seal population on the Isles of Scilly, monitoring the behaviour of whales and dolphins in the Inner Hebrides, or surveying the mammals of Oxfordshire's Wytham Woods. Award winners have the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists, learn new skills in the field and network with other education professionals.
The £125 grant will help teachers and educators to bring the natural world to life in and around the classroom. Wildlife gardens, nature trails, art displays and recycling initiatives all inspire and motivate pupils to understand and care for their environment.
Sharon Williams, Head of Environmental Engagement at Earthwatch, says, ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for teachers and educators to get a taste of hands-on field research. We hope that their experiences will help to improve environmental awareness and create a network of young ambassadors for the environment.'
Anthony Barlow, past award winner and team member on Britain's Basking Sharks says, ‘The project opened my eyes to the real world of scientific research and the knowledge I gained about Britain's marine life was fascinating. Since I returned the children have been mesmerised by the project and its subject. I have planned events and an assembly around the theme ‘the journey of fish' and I am using the grant of to start a litter initiative in the school.'
The closing date is 14th February 2005. For an application form contact: Julie Mackay, Programme Officer, Telephone: 01865 318826 or email: awards@earthwatch.org.uk
For more information please click here.
These awards have been generously supported by Glaxosmithkline.
Editors Notes