Practical Action are inviting schools to take part in their Small Is…Challenge.  This is based on their founder’s philosophy that even a small change can have a big impact on people’s lives. The challenge for students is to look at technologies from the last 100 years and invent a product that could help us all lead a more sustainable future.

Lots of resources are available to support this challenge, including downloadable timelines, presentations and worksheets.

The KS2 winner will be awarded a microscope and KS3 winners could receive a solar media player and £150 of vouchers for their school. The closing date for entries is 30th April 2011… find out more on Practical Action’s site.

Practical Action (a development charity that focuses on the use of sustainable technology in Africa, Asia and South America) have joined forces with Primary Engineer to offer a Special Leaders Award. The award is available for three ages groups: Primary (5-11), Secondary (11-16) and advanced (17-19).

To obtain the award, students need to provide evidence that they have been actively involved in promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) in their school and to interview someone who works in this area.

For our award pupils need to interview someone working in an area related to the development of technologies, products or services which incorporate sustainability as a key factor. The winners for each group will receive a solar powered media player. The winner of the advanced level will also spend a day working with a sustainable product designer.

The deadline for interviews and Leaders Award applications (via email only) is 30th June 2010. Find out more on the Practical Action and Primary Engineer sites.

The National Sustainable Schools Conference is taking place in June 2010.

Their site explains that… ‘Schools have a vital role to play in ensuring that the next generation has the skills and knowledge to make sustainable lifestyle choices. New resources and support are being created around the National Sustainable Schools Framework initiative from DCSF and many schools are aware of the government target of all schools being Sustainable Schools by 2020.

www.se-ed.org.uk/conference2010

This conference will draw together thinkers and practitioners and allow teachers, NGOs and Local Authorities to engage in dialogue to help plan the sustainability journey for schools.’

Spaces are limited so confirm your place now by registering online here. Early bird discounts are available until May 22nd.

Here is a Youtube video which outlines the thoughts of those who attended the event in 2009:

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).