Scaling up Climate Education in Schools: Engaging Students in Local Action for a Global Challenge
On January 20th, a group of Key Stage 4 students participated in the workshop, marking an exciting step forward in scaling up climate education in schools. The workshop was not only educational but also interactive, allowing students to connect the theory of climate change with real-world action. They were able to learn about climate change’s effects locally, particularly its impact on the marine environment, and directly contribute to solutions that could help address these issues.
The Research: Understanding Student Engagement
The research focusses on assessing how effectively students engage with the issue of climate change before, during, and after a hands-on workshop. The initiative’s goal is to deepen students' understanding of climate change’s impact on their local community and inspire them to take action.
Before the workshop, students were asked about their knowledge and concerns regarding climate change. Then, during the workshop, they were given information about how climate change is affecting Plymouth Sound, a Marine National Park, and the efforts local people are making to combat these challenges. The students also learnt about the inspiring 'Marine Citizens'—community members who are actively involved in protecting the marine environment, keeping the seas clean, and educating others on the importance of sustainability.
After the workshop, the students were tasked with designing a project aimed at solving a local issue related to climate change, such as keeping the seas plastic-free. These projects would be aimed at engaging different groups within their community, from younger children to adults, to encourage broader involvement in environmental protection.
A Hands-On Approach: Key Stage 4 Students in Action
As part of the experience, students also visited the Planet Ocean exhibition, which gave them a deeper understanding of oceanic ecosystems, the challenges they face, and the role humans play in protecting them. The combination of education, practical design tasks, and exposure to local environmental efforts helped students see that climate change is not just a distant problem—it’s happening right here in their community, and they have the power to make a difference.
Designing for Change: Creating Local Solutions
The second part of the workshop saw students put their newfound knowledge to work. They were challenged to design a project that would help solve a local environmental problem. For example, some students designed campaigns to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the seas, while others created educational resources to encourage sustainable fishing practices or reduce local carbon footprints.
By addressing local issues and using creative solutions, students are able to connect their education to their everyday lives. This approach not only empowers them to think critically about climate change, but also teaches them the importance of community action in solving global problems.
Why This Matters: Empowering the Next Generation
The scale of the climate crisis is daunting, but engaging young people with real-world examples of how climate change is impacting their local environment can inspire hope and action. Initiatives like the one at The Box help students understand that while the global challenge of climate change is immense, there are tangible, local actions they can take to make a difference.
By involving students in climate education that is both educational and action-oriented, we can help them develop the skills, knowledge, and motivation needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. This initiative is a great example of how schools and local organisations can work together to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to protect our planet.
As the research continues to assess the effectiveness of the program, it’s clear that engaging students with climate issues in an interactive, hands-on way can create a lasting impact. By raising awareness of how local communities are tackling climate change, we can inspire young people to take the reins in protecting the future of our planet.
Conclusion
Scaling up climate education in schools is vital for building a sustainable future. Projects like this, which combine education with local action, help students not only understand the science of climate change but also how they can play an active role in combating its effects. Through initiatives like these, we can ensure that the next generation is ready to protect both their local environments and the planet as a whole.