Support Your School is a new recycling scheme whereby schools across the UK can raise funds for their school by recycling used inkjet cartridges and unwanted mobile phones. The scheme is completely free for schools to join and participate in, and at a time of under funding for lots of organisations, gives schools a new, ethical way to fundraise.

www.supportyourschool.co.uk

The scheme also helps teachers and schools supporters with a fully integrated website where you can download support materials and manage your accounts in as easy and transparent way as possible. They have a special platform for 6-11 year olds called the RecyKids Area, where young people can learn about recycling and take part in activities that help educate them about the importance of being eco friendly.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Partnerships for Schools (PfS) are running an exciting new initiative to get Energy Display Meters provided and installed into English state-funded schools, absolutely free. The meter provides real-time information about your school’s electricity use in an easy-to-understand format which can be used as a teaching and learning tool.

www.energydisplaymeter.co.uk

The device is linked to your school’s PC networks, enabling you to raise energy awareness amongst pupils and teachers. It is also an excellent customisable teaching tool. Register your interest on the Energy Display Meter site and you will be informed as soon as applications are open.

explore is a multimedia organization that documents leaders around the world who have devoted their lives to extraordinary causes. Their library consists of more than 250 original films and 30,000 photographs from around the world.

explore features a wide range of topics—from animal rights, health and human services, and poverty to the environment, education, and spirituality. Delivered in short, digestible bites, explore films appeal to viewers of all ages, from children learning about other cultures for the first time to adults looking for a fresh perspective on the world around them.

www.explore.org

The resources are well suited to supplement many types of lesson plans, from presentations on multiculturalism to interactive classes on environmental and wildlife preservation. Films range in length from minute-long segments to longer documentary pieces on a particular region (e.g., China, India, the Arctic).

The site’s FAQ explains that ‘the explore team is currently developing a set of academic curricula that incorporates some of our content’ so look out for some useful teaching resources linked to their work.

A new website has been launched to help schools teach pupils about sustainable living and the key role that scientists and engineers will play in tackling the challenges of climate change.

The online resource, 3MWorldlyWise is designed to boost young interest in studying the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths from GCSE to A-level and on to university.

www.3mworldlywise.co.uk

This free website  contains lots of helpful tips for living a ‘greener’ life, along with resources for teachers, and is particularly aimed at students aged from 11-16 years old (although it could also be used by upper KS2 children, I’m sure).

Lancashire Wildlife Trust are a conservation charity protecting wildlife in town and countryside and in rivers and seas throughout Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside. They offer a range of services for schools in their areas.

Eco-Factor is Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s outreach education department. The project visits primary and secondary schools and provides workshops covering an array of environmental topics including waste and recycling, climate change and the natural world. The project will visit any schools in the highlighted region for a small fee. For further information or to book a visit from the team please called Sue Buck on 01772 751110 and quote Eco-Factor as your enquiry.

Schools also have the opportunity to record their experiences through the use of film and photography. Schools can chose from two new workshops, with an additional workshop being launched in early 2010. The new workshops available to schools are as follows:

• A Photo Storyboard Workshop: This workshop is designed to encourage discussion of environmental issues affecting our planet, allowing pupils to express their opinions in a new and exciting way that can be easily shared with others in the community.
• A Basic Filming Session: This workshop is a simple yet effective way of obtaining and presenting evidence for environmental initiatives such as Eco-Schools. All of the school’s plans and ideas for change will be logged as part of the filming, showing clear evidence of the environmental action plan and how the school will be more sustainable in future.
• A Complex Filming Session, coming in 2010.

Even if you’re not based at a school in these areas, their website has some useful resources for schools including ideas for helping wildlife at home, facts and information about a range of animals and links to lots of wildlife sites.