Direttorat għal Servizzi Edukattivi Directorate for Educational Services
Dipartiment għall-Immaniġġjar ta’ Riżorsi tal-Iskejjel MALTA School Resources Management Department
Il-Furjana Floriana
Telephone 25982410
Fax 21227392

Letter Circular
Information __x__ Action Required ____

Ref: DSRM 6/2009 Date: 2nd April 2009


To: All Heads of State School and Section

From: Mr. Paul Attard, Director, School Resources Management

Subject: On-line material which can be used in schools or in the home in an effort to help create the necessary awareness amongst school children and families about reducing the carbon footprint and creating a greener local and global environment

The list below refers to 10 fun green websites for students. These websites are full of information, activities, games and other resources that can be used both at school and in the home. These may be used either alone or in conjunction with other activities at school or in the home to help bring home further the students’ awareness of this need.

1. Recyclezone

The Recyclezone is sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and is a great source of green information for school children. It is bright, interactive and easy to use with a wide range of brain teasers, jokes and ideas – don’t miss Recycler the Rapping Robot’s musical debut.

For more information visit: http://www.recyclezone.org.uk/

2. The Greens

Meet the Greens is a website about an environmentally conscious family who are trying to do their bit for the planet. This US-based site features short animated adventures, which all carry an eco-message. ‘Tons of trash’, ‘birds need trees’ and ‘food rescue’ are just a few of the episodes on the site. There is also an interactive blog where children can discuss how they feel about the programmes they have watched.

For more information visit: http://www.meetthegreens.org/

3. CBeebies Green Balloon Club

The Green Balloon Club stars four eco-warrior children and a dog, who live in a virtual green club house. The site is full of songs, videos, print and colour activities – and there is a green star club where you can print out a chart and collect reward stickers for good green behaviour.

For more information visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/greenballoonclub/


4. Environment Agency – Fun and Games

The Environment Agency’s dedicated children’s section is home to a wealth of games, information and animated news bulletins. There are lots of surprising facts and figures to get your little ones thinking, as well as a tool to calculate your family’s eco footprint and tips on how to reduce it.

For more information visit: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fun/?lang=_e

5. National Geographic Kids

The National Geographic children’s site is a great resource, which focuses on topics like animal migration, the environment and how it affects the wildlife around us. There are plenty of quizzes, videos, games, stories and tips to bring your children closer to the nature around them. Check out the step-by-step guide to planting your own garden.

For more information visit: http://kids.nationalgeographic.co.uk/

6. WaterBusters!

This interactive game has been created by the Saving Water Partnership, Seattle, USA. Your mission is to help Phil Dumpster and his friend Bert the Salmon (who is on hand with green advice) to find the areas around the house where they can save water, money and the environment before they are washed away!

For more information visit: http://www2.seattle.gov/util/waterbusters/

7. Nature Challenge for Kids

Meet David Suzuki – he will challenge your children to follow a ten-step action plan covering topics such as food, travel, and the home. The idea is for children to gain better eco-awareness and apply it to their everyday lives. You will also find fun role play ideas and activities to encourage kids to express their views on nature and the environment.

For more information visit: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/kids/

8. Scholastic Explorers - Earthwatch Partnership

This educational site is a great tool for inspiring children to expand their learning skills, as well as their knowledge of wildlife and the environment. Find tips on discovering the eco systems in your garden as well as the chance to watch a wildlife video and submit a report on what you see.

For more information visit: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorer/

9. Charlie and Lola - Look After Your Planet

This popular game is a fun way of familiarising your children with the process of recycling. The task is to navigate one of the Charlie and Lola characters to collect falling rubbish in the correct recycling bins. The fun graphics and illustrations make this a pleasure to play, and you can progress through the site to bigger challenges depending on your level of skill.

For more information visit: http://www.charlieandlola.com/planet/planet-game.html





10. Kidsrgreen

This hands-on site offers plenty of advice to children who want to go green - both in and out of school time. You can hop on a spaceship for a round-the-world tour or go on a mission with ‘Trip the Drip’ to discover the importance of water to the planet.

For more information visit: http://www.kidsrgreen.org/krg.html






Paul Attard
Director
School Resources Management