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Tomorrow's climate scientists
Tomorrow's climate scientists case studies
A wide variety of investigative projects looking at local climate and biodiversity issues are being undertaken through our Tomorrow's climate scientists programme. Use the links below to find out more about several of the projects being undertaken in schools as part of the scheme. If you are interested in applying for a grant you can find out more about the programme here.
Jump to primary level projects:
Why are earthworms such an important part of our world?
What would be the impacts of growing green walls on our learning and wellbeing in our school?
How is crop productivity influenced by nitrogen dioxide pollution from cars and natural climate variables in and around our school?
How can science help us investigate the impact of humans on our shoreline?
Jump to secondary level projects
How can solar energy help those in Zambia light their homes?
How do trees affect our climate and air quality?
What are the effects of current climate change mitigation policies on the local environment?
How can I turn plastic waste into useful construction material using Eco bricks?
Jump to: Interactive map
Why are earthworms such an important part of our world?
In this investigative project students from St Gregory’s Catholic primary school are researching why earthworms are so important to our world. The school are being supported in their work by their STEM partner from the University of Central Lancashire. You can find out more about their project by visiting their school website, watching their short introductory video or by reading one of the news articles about their project. The school have featured in a news clip for the BBC, as well as in an article for their local paper.
What would be the impacts of growing green walls on our learning and wellbeing in our school?
In this project, year 4 students from Earlsdon Primary School have been designing, installing and growing plants to create living walls in both indoor and outdoor environments. Along with their STEM partner from De Montfort University the students are investigating the impact these living walls have on their wellbeing and learning. To find out more about this project, watch their short introductory video about their project or read this blog.
How is crop productivity influenced by nitrogen dioxide pollution from cars and natural climate variables in and around our school?
In this investigative project, students from Town Close School are investigating how pollution and other environmental factors impact the growth of crops in different areas of their school. The school have been supported during this project by STEM partners from the John Innes Centre and Norwich Medical School. To find out more about their project watch their short introductory video or visit their school website to see the project progress.
How can science help us investigate the impact of humans on our shoreline?
In this project, students from Taynuilt Primary School initially researched the effects of plastic on marine life. The project has since extended with students studying lichens as bioindicators of the health of the planet. As part of the project the school have worked with Crùbag to produce recycled notebooks featuring the students' artwork and messages as a way to engage the public with their work. The school have also been supported by the Scottish Association for Marine Science. To find out more about their work watch this short video or read about their work through this blog post and local news article.
How can solar energy help those in Zambia light their homes?
In this cross curricular project involving science and geography, students from St Patrick's College Dungannon have investigated how solar energy can be used by those in Zambia to light their homes. The students have researched the climate in Zambia, solar lighting and the best components to make solar powered lanterns before they have designed and created their own lanterns. The students have been supported with their work by NIE Networks. To find out more about their project watch this video produced by the school.
How do trees affect our climate and air quality?
Students from Ribblesdale High School have been studying the effect of trees on the climate and on air quality. The area around their school includes the ancient woodland of the Trough of Bowland as well as newly forested areas and their town is on one of the busiest A roads in Britain. The students have built and positioned sensors in rural and urban locations to investigate the effects of trees on moisture, pollution and temperature. The school have been supported with this work by the University of Central Lancashire. You can find out more about the project by watching this video produced by the school or visiting their website.
What are the effects of current climate change mitigation policies on the local environment?
In this project, students from Lady Eleanor Holles School are developing a long-term environmental monitoring station in their local area, thereby becoming part of a global community of climate researchers working with FreeStation.org. The apparatus will be constructed and installed by their team in collaboration with King’s College London, designers of the FreeStation system. Data collected on rainfall, wind, river flow, soil and air quality will be processed regularly in order to explore their target question which is focused on understanding urban weather/climate and pollution.
How can I turn plastic waste into useful construction material using Eco bricks?
The project is run by the Comberton Village College’s Eco Maths Club and is being supported by a local industry company. As part of the project, students are carrying out calculations of volume and space, using ratios for models, taking real life measurements and agreeing on quantities of materials to investigate the following: How big is the plastic problem globally and what are the future solutions? What are the negative consequences of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in the marine environment and plastic entering the food chain? What are different types of plastic and what can be done with them? How can we use eco-bricks to construct useful structures? What is the most effective way to create and design eco-bricks?
Interactive map
The interactive map below shows the projects currently underway through the Tomorrow's climate scientists programme. The different colours on the map show the different school age levels: light blue are primary level projects, yellow are secondary level projects and green are post 16/FE colleges. Whilst the map shows the different school levels, projects can be adapted for different age groups.
If you have any questions about the Tomorrow's climate scientists programme or would like to get involved, please contact the Schools Engagement team via education@royalsociety.org.