BSA launches climate change resources for schools

Against the backdrop of COP26, the British Science Association (BSA), in collaboration with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), has launched two new CREST Award resources to inspire young people to explore solutions to climate change, sustainability and the Earth’s water cycle.
 
The British Science Association (BSA) has partnered with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) to create a new series of practical, science-based projects to help students to investigate the current challenges and future solutions around climate change, sustainability and one of Earth’s fundamental resources – water.
 
The new ‘Exploring Hydrology’ CREST Awards resources, which are available at Silver and Gold levels, enable secondary-aged students to study the real-life impact of climate change on water supplies, agriculture, infrastructure, public health and more.
 
The CREST Awards scheme empowers students to become young scientists as they undertake hands-on, investigative projects that interest them. Using these new resources, students have the option to take on a variety of hydrology-focused challenges, from creating SMART water solutions and emergency flood plans to examining solutions for food shortages and droughts.
 
Climate change has never more been visible across the world than now, with extreme weather events demanding increasingly more of our attention and action. Released during the UN’s COP26 conference, these resources present an excellent opportunity for students to engage with these important and complex issues through scenario-based learning.
 
The BSA’s partnership with UKCEH reflects a joint commitment to increasing environmental awareness and accountability among young people, all whilst promoting their development, interest and participation in STEM subjects.
 
Maria Rossini, Head of Education at the BSA, said: “With COP26 now underway, many of us will be thinking about how we can play our part to combat climate change. Schools have a vital role to play in helping young people understand to the issues, whilst also involving them in developing their ideas and solutions. We’re delighted to have worked with the UKCEH on this timely range of CREST projects to help inspire the next generation of eco-champions.”
 
Victoria Barlow, Science Project Manager at UKCEH, said: “There is no doubt that climate change is an issue that needs to be tackled with much urgency. Crucial to this is building interest in and commitment to climate-related subjects such as flooding and drought among young people. Resources like these present an opportunity for students to learn in an engaging and flexible way, whilst also raising awareness of key issues which will go on to play a significant role in their lives. We hope that it might spark a new generation of hydrologists.”
 
The new ‘Exploring Hydrology’ resources include both student briefs and handy teacher guides to help educators bring the subject of climate change to life in the classroom. If you are interested in using them in your school, you can download them here.