The Pedestrians Association, which promotes the national Walk to School campaign, has produced a project pack for the literacy hour. On the Move includes a teacher’s book, lesson plans and guidance for five literacy hours with photocopiable pupil worksheets and posters. It aims to teach children about road safety and the sensible use of transport. The lessons are designed specifically for Year 5, but can also be used with pupils for revision and consolidation in Year 6. Priced pound;10 from the Pedestrians Association, 31-33 Bondway, London SW8 1SJ.

European Space Agency competition

Children aged eight to 12 who are nationals of an ESA member state or Canada can enter a competition to draw, paint or make a collage of a flag representing the Earth, to celebrate the launch of the world’s most ambitious Earth observation satellite. Envisat is due to begin its 50-year journey in June, and will collect important environmental information.

Entrants should also write up to 300 words saying what their flag represents, and enclose their name, age and address with their entry. The winning flag will be placed under the Envisat logo and put on the satellite launcher, and the winner will b invited to the launch in French Guiana.

Entries by March 31, by post to Earth Flag Competition, ESA-ESRIN, Via Galileo Galilei, Frascati (RM) 00044, Italy; or by e-mail with pictures in jpeg, gif or bmp format to comp.com@esrin.esa.it.

Numeracy bus

Sponsored by Zurich Financial Services, a specially adapted and strikingly decorated double-decker bus will bring a touch of outer space to maths lessons again this year. The project, which began last September, involves the bus visiting schools to deliver unusual and imaginative lessons lasting around one-and-a-half hours. For further details and to get on the bus’s route visit their website at www.zurich.co.uk.

The Dustbin Pack

Waste Watch works to raise awareness of waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Its new edition of The Dustbin Pack includes updated facts and figures, a CD-ROM and new activities for children aged seven to 11. It contains teachers’ notes and posters illustrating how metals, glass, paper and plastic are recycled. To receive a free copy send seven first-class stamps and a larger-than-A4 self-addressed envelope to: Waste Watch, Europa House, 13-17 Ironmonger Row, London, EC1V 3QG. Tel: 020 7253 6266.