PRIMARY and secondary pupils are set to benefit from new online resources which will teach them about caring for the environment in a fun, innovative way.
As part of a “sustainability programme” developed by the Lighthouse in Glasgow, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, a series of online resources will be made available to pupils, which will help relate theoretical ideas to everyday situations.
Teachers will also have online materials to support the teaching of three topics - resource use, energy and transport. The programme, which draws together various organisations and industry experts, aims to create a wider awareness about sustainability.
Real scenarios and case studies will deal with topics such as energy consumption and good building techniques.
Catherine Docherty, sustainability development officer, said: “Initially we are looking to develop a series of online education materials for the 9-14 age range, but they will also be accessible to a wider audience. And we aim to have these facilities in every school across Scotland.”
Stuart MacDonald, director of the Lighthouse, said the aim is to provide resources which children aged 5-14 can use in subjects such as environmental studies.
“Sustainability is a very important theme and something which we are very bad at in Scotland,” Dr MacDonald said. “We want to link our materials into schools and interact with children whatever age they are to make them more aware of these issues.”
“We are aiming to provide real life experiences that a school cannot provide, and will put children into contact with architects and developers so they get a feel for things and gain a greater understanding of the topics.”
The pound;600,000 programme, funded by the Scottish Executive, will work with architects and community housing associations.
