World Environment Day 2024 -5th June

Kelly Pfeiffer is a Zoo Education Officer for the NSW Department of Education, working on Teaching Quality and Impact, seeking new and creative ways to engage students and inspire learning.

Eco Detectives

Do you have students interested in the “web of life” or the multitude of plants, animals and micro-organisms and the ecosystems of which they are a part? Are they also interested in Minecraft? Kelly will lead teachers and students through an engaging session that will motivate them to use Minecraft as a powerful creative tool to teach their peers to take action for biodiversity. Using Minecraft Education students become Eco Detectives investigating why ecosystems are out of balance and take action to restore them to sustainable habitats. Immersing themselves in the Minecraft world students understand the interconnectedness of life, solve problems, and develop systems thinking. The end game is to apply what they have learned to real-life situations to conserve, enhance, and protect their local ecosystems.

Ruzika Soldo is Head of Impact and Engagement with UNICEF Australia, focused on ensuring children and young people are involved, heard and engaged in designing solutions on issues that impact their lives.

The Climate Future Children Want

Children and young people have been calling for action on climate change and it’s important we listen to their hope for the future of our planet. Ruzika has worked with the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University to hear from children and young people on what changes they want to see to limit the impact of climate change and to thrive in their communities. Their views are expressed in the Climate Future Children Want cards. Ruzika will work with students and teachers on how these important resources can be used in their school.