CarbonKids is an innovative educational program for primary and middle schooling years that combines the latest in environmental science with education in sustainability. It provides a range of resources for both primary and secondary school communities to better understand climate change and encourage positive actions that will help them become more sustainable.
What CarbonKids will do
CarbonKids will:
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support a reduction of greenhouse emissions in schools and local communities through direct action
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increase the appreciation of forest biodiversity and biosequestration values in addressing climate change
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implement the latest in climate change science to support learning
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provide curriculum resources and a wealth of cross-curricular activities to support teaching and learning about climate change
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develop skills in the process of inquiry, literature research, experimental investigation and critical thinking
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promote a critical and an action based approach to learning
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be teacher and student friendly.
What CarbonKids will provide
CarbonKids will provide:
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a set of integrated curriculum units for the primary and middle years of schooling with associated resource pages
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supporting climate change information sheets including critical questions and interesting facts
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suggested opportunities and activities for CSIRO Science Education Centre involvement in CarbonKids that lead to school visits and school involvement in CSIRO Education programs and events
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suggested opportunities and activities for classes and individuals that lead to staff and students taking action at school and at home to combat climate change.
What CarbonKids involves
The CarbonKids program involves schools in protecting and conserving our precious environments for the future by developing initiatives to help all Australians live, work and play in a sustainable way and make adjustments that can stop millions of tonnes of emissions contributing to climate change. It is more than a curriculum issue and engages schools to:
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measure their greenhouse gas emissions using a carbon calculator
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set a meaningful emissions reduction target, such as aiming to become carbon neutral
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identify ways to avoid emissions
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be efficient and reduce emissions that can’t be avoided at school, in homes and in local communities
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increase sequestration by planting trees and shrubs that also help maintain biodiversity
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improve environmental performance at school, in homes and in local communities
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make sustainable transport choices
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check how the school is going against the target set.
The focus of this program is to empower students to actively participate in tackling climate change, improve their school and community environments, address local climate-related issues, form sound judgements and be active citizens in tackling climate change in a positive way.
Piloting CarbonKids
26 schools in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia are taking part in the CarbonKids pilot program. They will be trialling the resources throughout terms two, three and four in 2009 and engaging with CSIRO Education in finding the most effective way to construct and deliver the program.
Interested in becoming involved in 2010?
Register your interest in becoming involved in the CarbonKids Program by downloading the expression of interest form and filling it in with as much detail as possible. Email the completed form to carbonkids@csiro.au or fax Angela Colliver on +61 2 6276 6641.
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