Canal & River Trust launches new climate change education resource for Key Stage 3 students
The Canal & River Trust has launched a new educational resource to support teaching Key Stage 3 students about climate change and the role of waterways in addressing environmental challenges.
The resource was developed with funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery, providing a curriculum-aligned tool for educators to explore topics such as flood management, biodiversity, and hydropower.
Designed to meet the needs of the Key Stage 3 curriculum, the resources helps students understand how canals and rivers can help combat climate change, while also raising awareness of career opportunities in science and engineering.
Features of the resource
The resource, titled "How Can Our Canals and Rivers Help Combat Climate Change?", focuses on the environmental impact of the UK’s 250-year-old waterways. It offers students a comprehensive look at how canals and rivers play a role in addressing climate-related issues, especially as the nation's waterway infrastructure faces increasing challenges from extreme weather patterns.
The resource includes:
Cross-curricular flexibility: Designed for independent learning, the resource can be applied across STEM subjects
Teacher guide: A teacher guide is included to assist with lesson planning, classroom integration, and additional activities.
Teacher involvement: Developed with input from teachers, ensuring it meets classroom needs.
Career insights: The resource highlights career paths in environmental science and engineering, connecting classroom learning with real-world applications.
GCSE support: Offers pre-release materials that support students preparing for their GCSE exams, with a focus on applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Data-driven activities: Students engage with activities like OS map exercises to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Focus on careers and STEM
By highlighting the connection between waterways and climate action, the Canal & River Trust hopes to not only educate students about the importance of environmental stewardship but also inspire them to pursue careers in science and engineering. The resource showcases the various ways in which the Trust’s work relates to maintaining and restoring canals, offering students a clear view of the career opportunities in these fields.
“Through our new STEM resource, we're not only helping students grasp the vital role canals play in addressing climate change, but we're also inspiring them to explore careers in environmental science and engineering,” said Barbera Cimadoro, from the Canal & River Trust’s education team. “By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, we hope to empower the next generation to make a meaningful impact on our canals’ – and our planet's – future.”
Support from People’s Postcode Lottery
The development of this resource was supported by funds raised by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, emphasised the resource’s role in helping students engage with climate change topics: “We are delighted that students can now learn about the vital role canals play in combating climate change. This resource not only fills a crucial gap in climate education but also inspires the next generation to pursue careers in environmental science and engineering.”
