Article 05

Diving into Sustainability: Highlights from the Great Barrier Reef Workshop

On 19th May 2022, educators from across the Asia Pacific region participated in an enriching BRIDGE Educator Workshop titled ‘Climate Change-Makers: Embedding Sustainability and STEM in Your Classroom and BRIDGE Partnership’. This collaborative initiative, organized in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, aimed to deepen educators' understanding of sustainability, climate change impacts, and STEM integration within the context of the Great Barrier Reef.

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The workshop began by exploring the significance of the Great Barrier Reef, including its vast size, unique ecosystem, and rich biological diversity. Participants gained insights into the current challenges facing the reef due to climate change and learned how these issues could be translated into meaningful educational activities for their students and BRIDGE partnership projects.

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Throughout the session, educators engaged in discussions about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), STEM education, and strategies for fostering sustainability within their classrooms. Practical examples and case studies illustrated how these topics can be effectively integrated into curriculum planning and collaborative activities with partner schools in Indonesia and Australia.

The workshop emphasized the role of educators as ‘Climate Change-Makers’, empowering them to inspire future generations to become informed global citizens and environmental stewards. By equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to address these pressing issues, the workshop aimed to foster a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability and encourage active participation in global initiatives.

This immersive learning opportunity took place online via Zoom, enabling educators to connect virtually and share insights across borders. Although the event has concluded, the impact continues as educators apply their newfound knowledge and strategies in their classrooms and collaborative projects. The Great Barrier Reef Workshop is one of many that exemplifies the BRIDGE program's commitment to advancing international collaboration in education, promoting sustainability, and empowering educators to create impactful learning experiences.