Globally, biodiversity teeters on the brink of the next great extinction. Plant biodiversity is intricately linked to the survival of insects, and v.v. Together they support all other life on land. As the world strives for sustainable development and tackles critical environmental challenges, a deeper understanding and love of nature is essential. Educating children for the immediate future is key to achieving global sustainability.
2020Vision is an environmental education initiative that wants to give young people ‘glasses’ of passion and knowledge. Humanity must learn to coexist in harmony with nature. The world needs passionate young people who can see clearly, who understand the workings of nature and global environmental challenges, who know what can and must be done about it and who are motivated to act for the environment, in their sphere of influence, both now and in their future careers.
The Centre for Advancement of Science and Maths Education (CASME), in collaboration with Dr M.H. Craig, author of What Insect are You? are developing an innovative school curriculum enrichment programme supporting biology, life sciences and environmental education:
- Teacher training workshops targeting 20 schools at a time;
- Teaching resource kit, containing per school:
- 20 copies of What Insect are You? – an innovative, newly published coffee-table-style juvenile nature book that enthralls and educates readers of all ages;
- A teachers’ guide with
- 10 stand-alone topical lessons, designed to supplement the South African life sciences curriculum (grades 4 to 12) but suitable for extra-curricular enrichment even for non-science learners of any age;
- Instructions for simple, fun practicals involving live insects;
- Classroom activities to stimulate discussion;
- 10 audio-visual episodes;
- Additional relevant articles, audio-visuals and Internet links;
- Outdoor educational event for 4 children and 1 teacher per school.
This programme is unique in its focus on insects. Insects are the dominant life form on earth, are indispensable in nature, live everywhere, are small enough to handle yet large enough to observe, and are popular with children. Insects are perfect for learning about nature and the environment.
The resource materials, particularly the book and videos, are designed to arouse heart-felt interest, ignite passion and promote a joy in learning, playfully but convincingly covering important biological, ecological and environmental topics. The insect-centered topics surprise and delight children as young as 6, university students, adults and pensioners alike.
Watch a 6-min introductory video.
Please contact us for further information:
- Henre Benson, CASME (benson@casme.org.za / +27 (0)31 826 2508)
- Dr Marlies Craig (marlies@whatinsectareyou.com)
What Insect Are You? 
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