GCSE Applied Science Project covers the theory of climate change AND encourages students to pledge to reduce their emissions at home!
Will, my eldest boy, is doing Applied Science GCSE. The projects are now coming thick and fast, from cloning to the ethics of embryo enhancement, science and ethics in one.
His latest is climate change: discuss the causes and effects and make a pledge to reduce your family’s impact.
I, of course, took huge paternal interest but tried not to meddle. He had a pretty decent understanding of climate change, probably to be expected in our household. But, we did explore the practical steps that you can make to reduce carbon emissions at home, the quick wins and those that need more planning, money and outside support.
It was the mix of theory and action that we liked. We could understand the issues and then were encouraged to take an action. Much like Planet Positive!
The coursework is just like the training programme we are putting together for Lend Lease and their BeOnsite re-employment programme. They are taking long term unemployed and providing a constant loop of coaching to help them into work on construction sites, hold onto the job and learn more about health, safety and building.
And now they have asked Planet Positive to include a module on climate change. We’ll talk through the issues and talk about action, from creating green buildings to saving money and reducing emissions at home.
Whether it is training for green construction or Applied Science GCSE, we are witnessing a huge surge of education and increasing understanding. There is real energy here and real momentum. It makes me full of optimism that we will make lasting change happen.
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- The World...
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- ...is your pizza
20,000 miles. The distance it takes to make a pizza. Where did I come by this information? The Harvest Festival of course!
My middle son, Thomas, and his Bobcats class used their harvest festival session at the local church to get a message across to the mums, dads and kids assembled in Mayfield Church.
They brought the products up one by one. 5,000 miles for a pineapple, 1,000 miles for the tomatoes and the mozzarella. It is was played out as though they were picking the ingredients in the local take-away in Tunbridge Wells.
Then they let us know what food miles meant; for producers, retailers and buyers. And they explained what they meant for the environment and the carbon footprint of transporting by plane and truck. Wow. The audience was genuinely captivated.
It was fun and it got the message across. Think about where your food comes from and “look at the labels on the tin” they said. I will Bobcats, I will!
