Are you interested in eco-schools? Dive into the captivating world of eco-education with host Hannah Wilson, as she brings together the inspirational Philippe Cousteau and dedicated Science Teacher Rose Edmondson to discuss the transformative impact of the OurEcho Challenge. Discover how a passion for moss and a commitment to biodiversity can ignite student leadership, community involvement, and real-world problem-solving. Uncover the secrets to crafting a winning competition entry and learn how these eco-projects are nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. Whether you're a teacher seeking to enrich your curriculum or a student eager to make a difference, this one is your gateway to a greener future.
EarthEcho International is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 by siblings Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honour of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr., son of the legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. EarthEcho collaborates with youth around the world to provide knowledge and develop tools that drive meaningful environmental action to protect and restore our ocean planet. Reaching more than 2 million people in 146 countries, they support the next generation to become environmental leaders who will transform the future. Their website offers a range of free resources for teachers as well courses for teachers and leadership opportunities for students. The leadership and voices of young people are critical to building a durable and effective ocean conservation movement.
Philippe Cousteau describes his grandfather as more than an explorer and an ocean adventurer and filmmaker, at its core, he was a problem solver and OurEcho Challenge inspires the next generation of problem solvers by looking at how we can help our biodiversity. The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM competition that empowers young changemakers to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities. Young leaders will first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or repair those natural resources. Competition entries are due on the 29th April where students can win the amazing prizes below.
Science Teacher Rose Edmondson won last year with her exciting moss growing project. She explains how since winning the EarthEcho Challenge she changed the way that she does things because the focus really is on the students:
"So I have to step back a little bit. Although I think I hope that my enthusiasm sort of got them started, really they are so invested in it now and I know now that regardless of what they go on to do, this is a long term project that we've got going and I know that they will continue to work with the community to change things. It was a bit of a different way of doing things because I had to take a step back and allow the students to lead and the way that the competition is designed, it's that they lead on taking films and collecting evidence and they really direct how they want to problem solve and some of the ideas that they had, I'm just sort of there as a facilitator to make contact with sort of the wider community."
The positive aspects of the EarthEcho Challenge can be seen within the students taking part. Climate change and making a difference can help with managing students anxiety and make them feel like they're making a lasting change on their community.
If you want to hear from the students themselves listen to the end of the podcast to hear the views of the students involved and what they've learnt from their moss growing mission. The OurEcho Challenge website has templates and tick lists to support teachers and students in your application. If you want insider tips then do listen back to the show via the link below: