Earth School is a brand new and free educational tool launching today to help boost understanding of the environment among citizens locked down due to COVID-19. The result of a collaborative initiative led by the likes of TED-Ed and UNEP, the online resource takes users through a 30-day adventure of the natural world. It goes live today – Earth Day – and will support students, teachers and parents living in lockdown.
Billions of children are currently out of school because of COVID-19. But learning cannot stop – Inger Andersen
“COVID-19 has revealed how deeply interconnected all life on this planet is,” said UNEP’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen. “I am delighted that UNEP, along with TED-Ed and other collaborators, are launching Earth School. Learning about the natural world will be critical to building a better and sustainable future for all.”
Earth School provides curated video content, reading materials and activities in 10 languages, and it is all free to use. Allowing everyone, especially 5 to 18-year-olds, the chance to learn more about the natural world and their role within it. Our Editor-at-large, Marc Buckley, who is part of the virtual platform, said on Facebook that it is “unbelievable how quickly this came together” – adding how “excited (he is) to be involved in the Earth School 30 Day Interactive Adventure”.
“These unprecedented times highlight just how important it is for young people to connect with the natural world and understand science,” added Vicki Phillips, executive vice president and chief education officer at the National Geographic Society. “We’re thrilled to join forces with trusted organisations like UNEP and TED-Ed to cultivate a spirit of exploration and build empathy for the Earth, no matter where students are the world — even if it’s from inside their homes, from a window, or on a short walk in the neighborhood.”
Enter Earth School.
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