Schools: World Science Day for Peace and Development 2013

Poster WSDPD

http://www.un.org/

Today, in a world changing quickly, on a planet under pressure, we need more science, we need more scientists. Science is a force that brings people together, to join hands in the pursuit of knowledge. Science is our best ally to tackle the consequences of climate change, to foster the innovation all societies need today." 

Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

Today, November 10 is World Sicence Day for Peace and Developement. 

World Science Day for Peace and Development, celebrated each year on 10 November, offers an opportunity to demonstrate how science is relevant to our daily lives and to engage the scientific community, policy makers and the public. 

The World Science Day for Peace and Development also aims at raising public awareness of the importance of science and to bridge the gap between science and societies.

This year’s theme, "Science for Water Cooperation: Sharing Data, Knowledge and Innovations, highlights the key role played by Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in addressing global water challenges."

"Water resources pay no heed to borders–our cooperation must be guided by the spirit of solidarity. Together, we can harness the full power of water to strengthen human dignity and build a better future for all. This is UNESCO’s message today."

It's with joy as Portuguese specialist in Education to know that the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova and the Portuguese Minister of Education, Higher Education and Science, Nuno Crato, signed yesterday, on 9 November 2013 an Agreement for the Establishment of an International Centre for Advanced Training of Scientists from Portuguese-Speaking Countries in the Areas of Basic Sciences under the auspices of UNESCO.

Education:

UNESCO invites schools, teachers and students among the different organizations to celebrate the Day with some special events or action.

We know! Today is Sunday. No school time.  But tomorrow and for a week or two, you can motivate your students (they love to engage in Environment causes) by involving them at the WSDPD activities. 

After all, the day is a symbolic. Of course, students need different lessons to organize an event and develop some activities.

Levels: All levels (different activities for different grades and age)

Here some activities and resources that can mobilize support for the objectives of the World Science Day for Peace and Development 2013:

Activities:

I selected and adapted some of the actions proposed by UNESCO that I think might involve our students:

• Diffuse the WSDPD in your school through posters, flyers (made by students);

• Distribute the WSDPD's poster to schools (based on material downloaded from website); scientific institutions, local communities;

• Organize classroom discussions to emphasize the many different ways science and technology touch our daily lives;

• Incorporate the messages of WSDPD into your classes, school librarian, and other activities taking place on a week;

• Ask students to write articles and letters about the importance of science for sustainable societies to the media, including school newspapers.

• Organise an 'Open Day' in your school to highlight the importance of science for peace and development;

• Contact national and local media (TV, radio, print, electronic) to highlight the importance of celebrating WSDPD at your school;.

• Invite an expert to visit your school to speak about careers in science, deliver scientific presentations or demonstrations to young students;

• Build classroom-to-classroom connections between schools via the Internet ( email, hangout, Skype), Twitter, Facebook, Google to talk about science projects that will interest young people;

• Find a sister institution (same country or other country as an exchange project) and and carry out a joint activity highlighting the importance of science;

• Arrange a science museum visit in your city or another local city;

• Invite local university faculty to join with community organizations and schools to celebrate the Day.

The sucess of  WSDPD is on the hands of the active involvement of many partners (intergovernemnental, non-governemnental organizations), academic institutions such as science and research.  

Schools are in this list, for sure. Schools have an important role aiming to renew and reinvigorate global commitments as they have the mission to educate children and young people as the future citizens.

Goccia, the official mascot of WWD2013

Educational Digital Resources:

On the website of the International Year of Water Cooperation 2013 there is the Youth and Kids section where you will find exciting resources and educational materials for educators, youth and kids, including games, publications, tools and videos.

Goccia, the official mascot of World Water Day 2013 and the International Year of Water Cooperation will guide you through the Youth and Kids section to learn about our water resources and the way they are used on the planet. 

• Games

• Publications and Educational Tools

• Videos

Oh! Talking about educational resources, don't forget, Apps for Environmental Education! Zoe makes a splash! Remember?

10 Years UN Water (2003-2013)

http://www.unwater.org/

Campaign Materials:

The UN Water page will be providing you 'campaign materials' to help create a buzz about the International Year of Water Cooperation and also World Water Day 2013. 

Check this space often because we will keep producing fun stuff before and throughout 2013. Soon you will also find material to help you learn more about Water Cooperation

After Water Water Day 2013 (March), Earth Day 2013 (April), Going Pink at School (October), we have World Science Day for Peace and Development 2013.

These series of educational challenges are important to promote some good values in the new generations. They will be vigilant and helping to find path towards precious solutions to society and planet.

Of course the sucess of  WSDPD is on the hands of the active involvement of many partners (intergovernemnental, non-governemnental organizations), academic institutions such as science and research.  

Schools are in this list, for sure. Schools have an important role aiming to renew and reinvigorate global commitments as they have the mission to educate children and young people as the future citizens.

I hope this post will be inspirational for a lot of educators in the world.

"Nothing will happen without action. Create and follow a plan, you're going to get a result. It may not be perfect but at least you have started."

Bob Proctor

G-Souto

10.11.2013
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