Earthwatch Education

Application close on the 12th of April at Midnight

Our Earthwatch Education team are back with an exciting twist to our Teach Earth teacher training weekends for 2026, and we would like to invite you to join us!  

What’s the twist? 

We are excited to announce our new partnership between Earthwatch Europe and Surfers Against Sewage for the Teach Earth residential weekend. SAS is a leading UK marine conservation and campaigning charity with a mission to end plastic and sewage pollution. Through mobilising community action, driving advocacy and leading national campaigns, SAS works to protect our blue spaces for both people and nature. These values will be mirrored in our weekends theme – From Source to Sea. 

Where: Ty Borfa, Port Eynon, Gower Peninsula, South Wales 

When: 12-14th June 2026 

Timing: 5:30pm start Friday, 15:00 Sunday close*  
*Please get in touch if the start time is a barrier to you attending. 

Cost: This weekend is fully funded including all training, resources, accommodation and food. You will need to cover your own travel expenses to and from Ty Borfa.  

Who is this weekend for?

These weekends are open to teachers, teaching assistants, trainee teachers and informal educators. Earthwatch Europe especially focuses on working with underserved communities to ensure that their young people feel more connected with nature and know how to take action for the environment.  

If you are unsure if you qualify, please get in touch. 

What is Teach Earth? 

Teach Earth is a professional development programme, building skills, knowledge and motivation in environmental education, outdoor learning, leadership for change and activism. This weekend will focus on the theme of ‘Source to Sea’ exploring ways to bring learning and action for water, oceans and coasts into your school settings. The weekend consists of a programme of interactive workshops, group discussions, peer learning, and creative design time, supported by additional resources.  

Further info on the programme of learning can be found below. 

Want to take part? 

To secure your place, please fill in this application form.

At Earthwatch, we are working to ensure our programmes have diversity of voice and are inclusive to all. Please reach out to our team if you have any specific requests to support you in attending Teach Earth and we will strive to facilitate this where possible. Get in touch: education@earthwatch.org.uk 

Want more information? 

Check out this video of a previous Teach Earth residential weekend. Plus, there is more information on our website. 

We hope to see you there!

~~~

A little bit more about what to expect from Teach Earth... 

Friday will start with our ‘Why?’ session – exploring why connecting students with nature is important. Friday also gives opportunity for attendees to meet each other and share their own nature connection. 

Saturday morning we’ll discuss what climate change, biodiversity, and freshwater are, and what they mean for our planet. Then we’ll consider our own spheres of influence exploring how our actions can have a positive effect and how that ripples through a community. After that we’ll hold an activity carousel where you’ll have a go at curriculum-linked outdoor learning activities on the beach, this should build confidence in incorporating environmental knowledge and outdoor activities into everyday teaching. Plus, it should be fun. 

We will begin Saturday afternoon with a step into mindfulness and well-being, exploring the impact time in nature can have on ourselves and young people.  

Then we will dive into practicalities, aiming to address and overcome any concerns/barriers that would prevent you from implementing learning gained from the session outdoors. We’ll workshop together to share ideas and solutions. 

The afternoon will then move into a skills building session, focusing on leadership skills, community building, implementation, and building momentum & sustainability of engagement. Giving you the tools to create change in your school. 

On Sunday we will be diving into the role of evidence in activism, following this with introductions to citizen science and science communication. We will then address ecoanxiety, looking at how it shows up in schools, and in ourselves. We’ll discuss ways to talk to young people about their feelings around the ecological crisis.    

As part of this workshop, we will also discuss how you can futureproof your teaching, looking at upcoming policy and curriculum changes, opportunities for you to not only adapt to the changes, but be a leader to your peers in advancing creative and innovative environmental STEM-based learning within your schools. 

Did you join us for our ‘What’s in your Water’ webinar?💧

We discussed freshwater, its importance, what’s polluting it, and how we can help. We also provided information on our biannual citizen science project - The Great UK WaterBlitz. As mentioned on the webinar - we’ve made education resources focused on citizen science and freshwater. You can find them here: Water (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Thank you to ProBleu for the funding to make these worksheets. Find other education resources on their website - ProBleu.

What's in the resources?

These resources are split into 2 bundles. One is focussed towards 7-11 year olds, while the other is for 12-18 year olds. Both contain introductions to freshwater and citizen science, as well as pollution. 

As well as subject overviews they contain worksheet activities. These include; investigating your water and plastic footprints, producing a piece of freshwater focused science communication, investigating local rivers, and much more.

• 7-11 resources - Freshwater and Citizen Science Resources (7-11)

• 12-18 resources - Freshwater and Citizen Science Resources (12-18)

They’ll be perfect to accompany your class whilst they take on the Great UK WaterBlitz – more information on this project is found here - Great UK WaterBlitz - Earthwatch Europe 

Here are the bundle content lists -

On Wednesday (25th March) this week we are hosting our collaborative webinar with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS)– sign up now to be involved! 

Join us for our CPD webinar: Growing Nature Connection – Practical Tips for Teachers. Not only do we discuss how to increase your student's connection to nature, but you can also learn more about our upcoming residential teacher training weekend in June 2026... Teach Earth: From Source to Sea. 🚣‍♀️ 

Who is SAS? SAS is a leading UK marine conservation and campaigning charity with a mission to end plastic and sewage pollution. Through mobilising community action, driving advocacy and leading national campaigns, SAS works to protect our blue spaces for both people and nature.  🌊 

What is it? An interactive, live, 60-minute CPD teacher training webinar will show how nature connection and outdoor learning supports both staff and pupil wellbeing, engagement, and environmental understanding.  

Who’s it for? Although designed for primary teachers, we welcome secondary and SEND educators too. 🏫 

Why do it? We will look at how nurturing valuable connections to nature in a busy school environment can bring benefits to staff and pupils. Common barriers to outdoor learning will be discussed, and solutions workshopped. Simple, curriculum linked, practical strategies to use with pupils will be shared, plus attendees will receive a resource pack with activities to connect their pupils with nature.  🌳 

When is it? Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 4pm-5pm  

Where is it? On Microsoft Teams Live 💻 

How can I get involved? Signup for the webinar here - https://thestemhub.org.uk/events/more-information/growing-nature-connection-practical-tips-for-teachers

More information on the flyer here – 

What is it? A teacher training workshop looking at practical solutions to include more sustainability in your curriculum. Run by Ashden’s Leg’s Go Zero project. 

Who - Open to all schools, this workshop includes work directed towards early years, all the way to KS5. 

Why – Join if you’re looking to take learning outdoors, or for national curriculum-aligned ways to incorporate climate into more lesson. With a jam-packed curriculum, constant assessments and fixed lesson plans, knowing where to start with this climate education can feel overwhelming. The Ashden expert Climate Action Advisors are on hand with practical solutions, real examples of what a climate-savvy curriculum looks like and how you can overcome common barriers to this work – from early years, all the way to KS5. 

When – 19th March, 3.45-4.45pm. 

Key focuses:  

• Why having a focus on sustainability in the curriculum is so important. Why a thorough climate education is so important.  

• What a great curriculum could look like (WAGOLL)  

• How to include more sustainability 

How to join - sign up here - Event registration form 

If you’ve ever wanted to incorporate citizen science into the school year, but not known how to begin, this resource is for you! 

This video resource is narrated by two Earthwatch Education Learning Coordinators, Lotte Holloway and Anna Steele-Perkins. For ease of access, it has been split into two parts. 

Part 1 –  

What is citizen science? This includes the benefits and roles of citizens in projects.  

What is outdoor learning? A lot of CS projects involve the outdoors. Here we discuss the benefits of this and potential challenges (as well as ways to overcome these). Plus, motivations behind citizen science project participation and how to incorporate these, is discussed. 

Part 2 - 

This contains a range of real citizen science projects your students can get involved in across the year. One for each month (minus August and December). It discusses the what, when, why, and curriculum links, behind each project. Practical adaptations are also suggested, incase working outside is not possible. 

We’ll hope you’ll love this resource as much as we loved making it. Find both parts on our YouTube channel here: 

Part 1 - Citizen Science and Outdoor Learning Overview - Part 1 CS Video Resource

Part 2 - A Citizen Science Calendar for Schools - Part 2 CS Video Resource

The slides associated with part 1 are here:

The slides associated with part 2 are here:

What is the competition?

This competition challenges secondary school students aged 15-18 across the UK to submit a scientific research project that addresses a water-related issue. It's a fantastic opportunity for young people in STEM to tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges: the global water crisis.

Who's running it?🏃‍♀️

Organised by Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) in partnership with Arup and Jacobs.

What can the students win?🏆

The winning UK entry will represent the nation at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden, with:

• An all-expenses paid trip to World Water Week

• A chance to win the grand prize of US$15,000

• International recognition on a global stage alongside entries from 40 other countries.

Who can apply?📃

Applicants must be:

• Aged 15–18

• Based in the UK

• In secondary education when the project was completed

• Working individually or in a team of up to two co-applicants

Key dates🗓️

• Deadline Tuesday 05 May (9:00am)

• Jury interviews Week of 25 May, location TBC*

• Winner notified 29 May

• Winner announced 09 June at the Flood & Coast conference in Liverpool

• International final 22–27 August*

*Applicants must be available on these dates (support will be provided to minimise clashes with exams).

Project journey🚣‍♀️

1. Choose a research topic

2. Develop a clear hypothesis

3. Conduct experiments and analysis

4. Submit a research paper (max. 20 pages) and summary (max. 200 words)

Shortlisted candidates will present their work to an expert jury, while the winner will go on to create a digital poster and one-minute video pitch for the international competition.

What participants gain💪

Experience

• UK winner: fully funded trip to Stockholm for World Water Week

• Shortlisted entrants: present to senior environmental professionals

• Expert feedback from leading industry judges

• Networking with peers and professionals

• Invitation to attend Flood & Coast in Liverpool

Exposure

• Represent the UK internationally

• Feature interview in The Environment magazine

Please get in touch with awards@ciwem.org if you would like to learn more about the competition.

More information is found in the document here -

What is it? The Great UK WaterBlitz is a biannual citizen science 🔬 campaign encouraging everyone to go outside and test the quality of their local freshwater bodies, including all rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, canals and wetlands. 🚣‍♀️

Why do it? This vital data helps to build a clearer picture of water quality across the UK. We can identify areas of high pollution and get a broader understanding of what is happening across the waterways in our country.💩

When is it? Between Friday 24 April and Monday 27 April, you’ll need ~20 minutes 

What do you do? Using a simple testing kit, that we will send to you for free, head to a freshwater location and test the water for its nutrient levels, as well as it’s pH. 🧪

Get involved! Register here Great UK WaterBlitz - Earthwatch Europe 

Get others involved! Send out this ✨flyer✨ to parents/carers, to encourage them to get them and their children involved in the GUKWB, maybe we’re biased, but we think it’s a great family activity. The flyer contains other reasons to get involved...

Plus...join our webinar all about water pollution and the Great UK WaterBlitz - 🌊✨What's in your water? A live lesson with Earthwatch Europe.✨🌊 Find more information about it here: Podia

We are so excited to announce our new partnership between Earthwatch Europe and Surfers Against Sewage! With plenty of opportunities to get involved, please join us for our CPD webinar: Growing Nature Connection – Practical Tips for Teachers. Here you can also learn more about upcoming residential teacher training weekend in June 2026... Teach Earth: From Source to Sea. We hope you’ll be as excited as we are! ✨

Who is SAS? SAS is a leading UK marine conservation and campaigning charity with a mission to end plastic and sewage pollution. Through mobilising community action, driving advocacy and leading national campaigns, SAS works to protect our blue spaces for both people and nature.  🌊

What is it? An interactive, live, 60-minute CPD teacher training webinar will show how nature connection and outdoor learning supports both staff and pupil wellbeing, engagement, and environmental understanding. 

Who’s it for? Although designed for primary teachers, we welcome secondary and SEND educators too. 🏫

Why do it? We will look at how nurturing valuable connections to nature in a busy school environment can bring benefits to staff and pupils. Common barriers to outdoor learning will be discussed, and solutions workshopped. Simple, curriculum linked, practical strategies to use with pupils will be shared, plus attendees will receive a resource pack with activities to connect their pupils with nature.  🌳

When is it? Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 4pm-5pm 

Where is it? On Microsoft Teams Live 💻

How can I get involved? Signup for the webinar here - https://thestemhub.org.uk/events/more-information/growing-nature-connection-practical-tips-for-teachers More information on the flyer here –

What’s next? This session acts as a taster as part of an exciting new partnership between Earthwatch Europe and SAS. In June 2026, we will be delivering Teach Earth: From Source to Sea, a weekend residential training programme for 20 educators on the beautiful Welsh South Coast. 🏖️

What will the residential focus on? The weekend follows a learning programme seeking to build teachers' skills, knowledge, confidence and motivation to effectively inspire and lead children, young people and peers in building climate literacy, connection to nature and empowering positive action for the planet. This exciting new partnership will bring new theme to Teach Earth: Source to Sea - understanding how water connects ecosystems, communities and oceans. 💧

Application forms for the residential weekend is open to primary, secondary and trainee teachers. Fill out the form here - https://forms.office.com/e/Eh7bHweHqP. 

Both Earthwatch and SAS are keen to ensure we’re designing our Teach Earth weekend to work for everyone, so we particularly encourage applications from different under-represented demographics and those working within under-served communities.   

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to email us at education@earthwatch.org.uk. More information on the Teach Earth program can be found here - https://edu.earthwatch.org.uk/teachearth 

Don't miss the opportunity to join this exciting collaboration. 🥳

Much like last year, we are running an engaging, national curriculum-linked live lesson for KS2 pupils that brings science and geography to life through real-world action! 🌎 🧪

It’s developed by us at Earthwatch Europe. This interactive session immerses young learners into the world of fresh water and environmental threats. It also introduces the Great UK WaterBlitz - a UK-wide citizen science project, explaining how everyone and anyone can get involved! 💧

Timed to support British Science Week and Great UK WaterBlitz (24th-27th April) this session empowers pupils to become scientists for a day - and environmental champions for life. 🦋🍃

• When is it? March 12th 1.30-2.30pm 

• Where is it? On Microsoft Teams Live 💻

• Who’s it for? KS2 Students 

• Do I need to pay? No, it’s free! ✨

• What next? Book your place here - https://thestemhub.org.uk/events/more-information/whats-in-your-water-live-lesson-with-earthwatch-europe 

• What do I get? Not only do you get a whole load of freshwater information, classes that attend the webinar will receive a certificate of participation, perfect for putting on your classroom wall! In addition, teachers will receive a school’s pack with practical activities to continue to explore the freshwater theme with their pupils. 

More information is found in the flyer below!

Plus, help get your school involved with the main event - The Great UK WaterBlitz! More information, and a flyer to send out to parents is found here: Podia

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you weren't fortunate to join us live, here is a recording of our Tiny Green Scientist Webinar. 👨‍🔬

Here we talk through:

• Tiny Forests 🌳

• Environmental challenges

• Tiny Forest benefits 🐝

• Outdoor learning, benefits and challenges

• Becoming a Tiny Green Scientist! 🔬

• Citizen Science in Tiny Forests

• Further opportunities ✨

If you have the time to watch it, please share your feedback here - Tiny Green Scientists Webinar Feedback Form This helps us strengthen our content and provide more tailored resources. Thanks in advance!

Finally, don't forget to fill out the Expression of Interest form if you are a school in London or Edinburgh that wants to join us on the next stage of the Tiny Green Scientist project! It's a really exciting free opportunity to access an in person education day for students followed by teacher training, at your local Tiny Forest. Here's the form - Tiny Green Scientists Expression Of Interest Form