UNDP and the Ministry of Education Launch the "Climate Box" Educational Game for Schoolchildren in Bishkek – A New Tool for Teaching Climate Issues
November 4, 2024
Bishkek, October 31, 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, has launched the "Climate Box" program for schoolchildren in Bishkek. This program offers students and educators interactive educational materials on climate change, aiming to help them understand climate issues and take concrete actions to protect the environment. The initiative underscores UNDP’s commitment to supporting climate education by providing resources that empower young people to safeguard their communities.
The launch event was part of the 3rd International Teachers Conference, the 2nd International Students Festival, and the 1st Climate School, held in Kazakhstan with participation from representatives of Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Serbia.
"Climate Box" provides teachers and students with innovative ways to teach climate change, including: 1) An illustrated textbook on climate change issues; 2) "Climate Quiz" cards for interactive learning; 3) A wall map indicating potential climate risks; 4) Posters with recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change; and 5) Teaching guides to help educators integrate climate topics into school curricula.
This educational tool has been recommended by the Educational-Methodical Association of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic in the "Pedagogical Education" sector at Arabayev Kyrgyz State University for schools across the Kyrgyz Republic.
Representatives from UNDP, the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, and three schools from Kyrgyzstan showcased climate-themed student projects:
"Safe Air" Project (School No. 65, Bishkek): Developed a device to monitor CO₂ levels.
School Greening Projects (Lyceum in Osh): Students presented initiatives to create green zones within the school premises.
Research on "Mathematical Analysis of Smoke" and "Methods of Adaptation to Climate Change" (School No. 77, Bishkek): Created models utilizing electromagnetic fields for wind turbine operations.
Students were awarded in the categories of "Innovation," "Teamwork," and "Community Engagement" for their creative approaches and collaborative efforts. Teachers shared their experiences integrating climate topics into educational programs, while UNDP and Ministry representatives discussed the progress and enhancement of the "Climate Box" program implementation in participating countries.
The event also featured lectures on environmental monitoring, climate change, and adaptation strategies, as well as a tour of the Ayu-Sai Biosphere Reserve.