the-BA : Eco Games

Over 400 pupils from Glasgow primary schools tested their green credentials and learnt about the environment as part of an “ECO Day” held at the Glasgow Science Centre on 17 and 18 September 2004. The project was organised by the Glasgow STEM Partnership and involved primary school pupils from Glasgow schools participating in activities run by organisations working in sustainable development or environmental education. There was also a display by schools which been awarded the “Green Flag” for meeting each of the seven elements of the Eco Schools process.

Together with the BA’s two Regional Officers in Scotland, pupils played a game of Energy Snakes & Ladders. This is similar to the regular game but played on a large floor mat and with pupils having to answer questions about energy before they can move. In addition the pupils were able to take part in Balancing Butterflies and Colour Spinners. These activities involved the pupils in cutting out butterfly shapes, colouring them and adding suitable weights to make them balance on their fingertips or using electric motors to spin card discs and creating coloured patterns on them, while learning about aspects of renewable energy and the delicate balance of the environment.

On the Saturday the event was open to the public and saw some 200 children and parents taking part in the activities.

This event was the first to be run by the Glasgow STEM Partnership - a collaboration among organisations in the Glasgow area with an interest in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, including the BA, the four universities: Glasgow, Strathclyde, Paisley and Caledonian, the local Setpoints, Glasgow City Council and Careers Scotland.

Sandy Smith
RO Central & South Scotland