Almost 365 elementary school children in the City and County of Peterborough celebrated their green achievements last school year as new graduates of the Planet Protector Academy. These children are now trained and committed to protecting our planet against climate change, wastefulness, and depleting natural resources as they reduce their garbage, recycle, compost, and conserve energy. The students have taken steps to protect the planet and encouraged their siblings and parents to get involved too.
The City of Peterborough funds the Planet Protector Academy, which is a digital-led educational program that aims to inspire and empower kids to lead change in their families' environmental habits. It was developed by youth engagement charity DreamRider Productions. They partner with government agencies and school districts across North America to inspire a generation of environmental superheroes leading action on climate change, waste, and water conservation.
Planet Protector Academy delivered two different programs for local elementary classes from grades 3 to 6;
- Keep Cool Program: raises awareness about climate change and takes practical actions by engaging students and their families throughout the City and the County of Peterborough to reduce their impact on the planet.
- Zero Heroes: a new pilot program only available in the City of Peterborough which focuses on waste reduction and natural resource depletion.
Supported by an interactive website, teachers lead fun, arts-based activities to explore climate change, energy & transportation issues. As 'apprentice' Planet Protectors, students then used their knowledge to go on "superhero missions" to lead change in their families' habits. By putting kids at the center of the storyline, the Academy becomes a game, but also real life, as they compete in teams to make the biggest impact possible. The activities are interactive and engaging for the whole family.
"The class loved the videos and activities. Easy to use and your students will have a blast."
- David Buckley, Grade 3 Teacher in Peterborough
"An amazing resource to get the students engaged and aware about important environmental issues."
- Todd Richard, Grade 5 Teacher in Peterborough
The outcome for the Keep Cool Program reported that students made a significant impact, with 71% of parents ditching the car for a more sustainable alternative and saving 75% of their energy consumption in their home. Likewise, the Zero Hero Program resulted in 85% of the kids and their families reducing food waste, 48% of families recycling more of their food scraps, and 77% of students making less garbage with the lunches they bring to school.
If teachers in the City and the County of Peterborough are interested in signing up for this free program, which is fully funded by the City of Peterborough and Sustainable Peterborough, please contact Kaitlyn Ittermann, Sustainable Peterborough Climate Coordinator at 705-743-0380 ext. 2507 or email KIttermann@ptbocounty.ca.
This information is also on our City of Peterborough website at www.peterborough.ca.
